Since our last release, the President of the United States has recommended a three-phased approach to guide states in reopening their economies and businesses. As such, elective surgeries that were postponed due to COVID-19 can commence under CDC guidelines as a part of an initial, phase one approach.

State guidelines

We are excited about the opportunity to return to some level of normalcy in our industry, and remain cautiously optimistic. With that said, federal guidelines are just that — recommendations for states to consider when weighing their options related to elective surgeries. In reviewing the ever-changing landscape of elective surgery, it is clear that there is no universal standard. “Allowing elective surgeries” in one state is likely vastly different than allowing them in another state. Each state is setting its own rules, and defining its own terms. These terms can include, but are not limited to:

• County-to-county distinction
• Available supply of Personal Protective Equipment for staff (PPE)
• Adequate staffing and bed availability
• Limited types of elective surgeries or provider specialties

Priority scheduling at ASCs

Paradigm’s Compliance Team has found that a good portion of ambulatory surgery centers (which were in some cases closed to support potential patient overflow related to COVID-19) are estimating to be back operating at 75% to 90% capacity within the next few weeks. Paradigm is closely working with our providers to reschedule surgeries that were previously canceled. We remain successful in obtaining future surgery dates or commitment that the injured workers in our program will be placed at a priority for scheduling.

Quick scheduling for orthopedic evals

Precautions are still top-of-mind, and orthopedic practices are encouraged to engage in patient care that can be conducted through the effective use of telemedicine (when possible). Paradigm continues to see orthopedic evaluations scheduled within 5-7 business days from date of referral. Orthopedic evaluations and non-essential surgical procedures are being scheduled with strict adherence to CDC considerations surrounding access to PPE, workforce availability, visitation rights, sanitation protocols, and other facility considerations.

Join us at our upcoming webinar

Paradigm encourages our clients to rely on our operational expertise and close provider relationships to help guide injured workers through their orthopedic and surgical needs. Register here for our May 6^th panel-led webinar with Florida Orthopaedic Institute and AKOS, discussing the functionality of telehealth and adaptations to specialty care delivery as we move beyond COVID-19.

Should you have any questions, or need an injured worker properly placed for orthopedic or spine services please contact us at (844) 443-2792 or referrals-networks@paradigmcorp.com.