COVID-19 Resource Catalog-CMS Issues Recommendations on Non-Emergent, Elective Medical Services and Treatment

CMS Issues Recommendations on Non-Emergent, Elective Medical Services and Treatment

Pdf Summary

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has created recommendations for postponing non-essential surgeries and other procedures to conserve healthcare resources and limit exposure to COVID-19. The recommendations apply to non-emergent, elective treatment and preventive medical services for patients of all ages. A tiered framework is suggested to prioritize care for those who need urgent attention to save a life, manage severe disease, or prevent further harm from an underlying condition. The decisions on these services ultimately lie with local healthcare delivery systems and clinicians. Prenatal and maternity care should continue to be directed to accredited facilities and ambulatory care sites. However, the risk and benefit of any treatment or service should be assessed to conserve resources. These recommendations will be refined based on feedback from experts and resources developed by professional societies.<br /><br />CMS urges healthcare facilities and clinicians to consider curtailing non-emergent, elective medical services using a tiered approach. They should also consider expanding capacity to manage an anticipated surge in COVID-19 patients in the coming weeks. Key factors to consider include coordination with local and state health departments, the number of COVID-19 cases in the community, the ability to implement telehealth or virtual check-ins, the availability of personal protective equipment, staffing capacity, the capacity of medical facilities, and testing capability in the local community. The health and age of individual patients and the urgency of the treatment or service should also be considered.<br /><br />CMS provides a tiered definition for different levels of treatment or service, ranging from low acuity to high acuity. For low acuity services, postponing or follow-up through telehealth may be considered. Intermediate acuity services may require initial evaluation through telehealth and triage to appropriate care sites. High acuity services should not be postponed and may require triage to appropriate facilities. The goal is to ensure patient safety and provide necessary care while managing the COVID-19 crisis.

Keywords

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

COVID-19

non-essential surgeries

healthcare resources

limit exposure

tiered framework

urgent attention

prenatal and maternity care

curtailing non-emergent medical services

telehealth