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T
he coronavirus has ground outpatient surgeries to a halt.
As the nationwide response to the outbreak enters its
second month, every possible healthcare resource is
being marshalled for the acute treatment of COVID-19
patients.
On March 18, CMS called for the cancellation or post-
ponement of all elective surgeries during the out-
break and released recommendations outlining
numerous factors individual providers should
consider when deciding whether they should
proceed with a procedure as planned or call it
off until the coronavirus is contained
(osmag.net/Jpw9ZE). The American College
of Surgeons (ACS) advised surgeons to curtail
elective procedures to preserve necessary PPE
and resources for the care of COVID-19 patients.
The U.S. surgeon general also asked healthcare
systems to halt elective procedures.
ACS joined the American Society of Anesthesiologists
Outpatient Surgery Editors
COVID 19 CRISIS
Surgical professionals are rallying to
overcome short-term hardships and remain
determined to perform surgery again soon.
Surviving the
