Dear Colleague:
As the nation continues to take unprecedented action to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to provide some critically important reminders to the ASC community.
First, strictly adhere to federal and state guidance to immediately postpone all surgeries that can be delayed for 6 to 8 weeks. This is a critical step in slowing the transmission of the virus.
Second, as you are well aware, the healthcare system is facing a critical shortage of certain medical supplies and personal protective equipment. Use these resources sparely and wisely.
Finally, the increasing stresses of the pandemic on traditional hospital services may soon lead to federal and state government decisions to use ambulatory surgery centers to support the healthcare system in expanded surgical use and new ways during the pandemic. You must be prepared for your ASCs to work in coordination with local hospitals to manage care and patients not currently contemplated, most of which will require regulatory waivers and other guidance that could be forthcoming in the very near future. We encourage all ASCs that have not already done so to communicate with your local hospitals to ensure a coordinated response in the best interest of your communities.
We recognize that all of this is unprecedented but be assured that ASCA will continue to be a trusted advocate and resource for you as we all work together to meet these challenges.
Bill Prentice Chief Executive Officer Ambulatory Surgery Center Association
Larry Taylor, CASC President Ambulatory Surgery Center Association
P.S. For those ASCs that are continuing to offer emergent surgical care, we are providing some expanded safety guidelines designed to help you keep your patients and staff safe.
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