CMS allowing some providers to restart in-person care unrelated to COVID-19
CMS has announced that healthcare providers in communities experiencing low numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases may be able to once again provide more in-person care unrelated to the virus.
On March 18, CMS announced a moratorium on non-essential medical, surgical and dental procedures, hoping the move could limit the spread of COVID-19 and free up healthcare providers to care for patients who need urgent attention. The shift impacted health systems throughout the United States, causing health systems to put countless procedures—including those performed by cardiologists in and outside of cardiac cath labs—on hold for an unknown period of time.
This latest announcement marks the beginning of return to normalcy, though it still only applies to certain procedures and areas that quality to participate in Phase 1 of the Guidelines for Opening Up American Again.
“We owe both those on the front lines and those who postponed procedures for the sake of their colleagues a profound debt of gratitude,” CMS Administrator Seema Verma said in a statement. “Today, some areas of the country are experiencing fewer cases and lower incidence of the virus, necessitating a more tailored and flexible approach. Every state and local official will need to assess the situation on the ground to determine the best course forward, but these guidelines provide a gradual process for restarting non-COVID-19 essential care while keeping patients safe.”
Emphasizing that telehealth services are still encouraged, the full CMS recommendations included a list of factors that all providers should consider before beginning to provide more in-person care.
“Non-COVID-19 care should be offered to patients as clinically appropriate and within a state, locality, or facility that has the resources to provide such care and the ability to quickly respond to a surge in COVID-19 cases, if necessary,” according to the document. “Decisions should be consistent with public health information and in collaboration with state public health authorities. Careful planning is required to resume in-person care of patients requiring non-COVID-19 care, and all aspects of care must be considered.”
It is still recommended that providers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, and “procedures on the mucous membranes, including the respiratory tract” should be performed “with great caution.” Also, all personnel “should be routinely screened for symptoms of COVID-19” and tested and quarantined when necessary. Patients should also still be screened for potential symptoms before entering healthcare facilities.
“Consider establishing Non-COVID Care (NCC) zones that would screen all patients for symptoms of COVID-19, including temperature checks,” according to the document. “Staff would be routinely screened as would others who will work in the facility (physicians, nurses, housekeeping, delivery and all people who would enter the area).”
Additional information from the White House on its multi-phase plan to reopen the economy is available here.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.