CMS has recently issued guidance (found here) on resuming non-essential procedures in areas with low incidence of COVID-19. In anticipation of our insured practices reopening, we recommend utilizing the MGMA’s COVID-19 Medical Practice Reopening Checklist for assistance with determining what services you will be able to perform, financial management, operational management and human resources management. That document can be found here.

When it becomes possible to open your practice the decision should be consistent with public health information and in collaboration with state and public health authorities. Please find some helpful tips below from CMS:

• Gradual transition – practices are encouraged to coordinate with local and state public health officials, and to review the availability of PPE and other supplies. Also, practices should:
• Review workforce availability;
• Facility readiness; and
• Testing capacity when making decisions to re-start or increase in-person care.
• If state and local governments are unable to lift restrictions, providers are encouraged to continue following the recommendations made by government officials in recent months.
• Evaluate the necessity of care based on clinical needs. Providers should prioritize surgical/procedural care and high-capacity chronic disease management; however, select preventative services may also be highly necessary.
• Consider establishing non-COVID zones that would screen all patients for symptoms of COVID-19, including temperature checks. It is also recommended that staff be routinely screened as well as others who work in the facility (housekeeping, delivery and all people who enter the area).
• Personal Protective Equipment – CMS recommends that healthcare providers and staff wear surgical facemasks at all times. Procedures on the mucous membranes including the respiratory tract, with a higher risk of aerosol transmission, should be done with great caution, and staff should utilize appropriate respiratory protection such as N95 masks and face shields.
  • Patients should wear a cloth face covering if they do not already possess surgical masks.
  • Every effort should be made to conserve personal protective equipment.

All healthcare facilities and practices should continually evaluate whether their area remains a low risk of incidence and should prepare to cease non-essential procedures if there is a surge. Continue to check state and local health departments for additional details on potential COVID surges in your area. For additional information from CMS, please click here.