Researchers for a preprint article in Gastroenterology surveyed 73 individuals representing 62 U.S.-based centers and 11 Canadian centers between March 21 and April 17, on how COVID-19 changed their practice.
What they found:
1. Sixty-five percent of centers said they operated at less than or equal to 10 percent of normal endoscopy volume during the response period. Twenty-five percent of centers said they operated at 25 percent of normal endoscopy volume.
2. Ninety-seven percent of centers postponed screening colonoscopy. Sixty-eight percent of centers said they had no plan on how they’d address the procedural backlog once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
3. Ninety-six percent of clinics pivoted to telemedicine, with 47 percent of centers saying they conducted more than 75 percent of their visits via telemedicine.
4. Eighty-six percent of centers said they screened patients for COVID-19 when they arrived at endoscopy units; however, only 28 percent of centers contacted patients up to 14 days post-procedure to track COVID-19 development.
More articles on ASCs:
The ‘new normal’ for ASCs: 16 admins on how the pandemic will change the field forever
Dr. Thomas Vikoren: Same-day TJR ‘made all the more important’ by COVID-19
Indiana orthopedic practice with surgery center to open
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.