There have been many questions about the suspension of elective surgeries and medical procedures during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our physicians consider a wide range of factors when determining whether it’s safe to postpone a surgery or procedure, including patient risk factors, bed availability, staffing, and personal protective equipment supplies.

The American College of Surgeons (ACOS) recommends that the necessity for a given procedure during this time should be established by a surgeon with direct expertise in the relevant surgical specialty to determine what medical risks will be incurred by case delay.

“We have created a multi-specialty surgical review committee, as recommended by ACOS, for COVID-19 related surgical triage decision making,” said Cara Pence, M.D., Stillwater Medical Chief of Staff. “Our committee utilizes non-operative interventions whenever it is clinically appropriate. Our top priority is the safety of our patients and making these decisions centers around whether delaying a procedure may cause harm.”