Dr. Khanna — who helped publish a road map for resuming elective surgeries for the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery — said two of the key pillars for the safe return to normal operations are telehealth adoption and surgery center utilization.
In a blog post for Munster, Ind.-based Spine Care Specialists, Dr. Khanna explained why these elements are essential:
1. Telehealth adoption. “Telehealth provides a convenient and efficient system for interaction between physicians and patients. It also enables physicians to maintain close contact with patients while avoiding one-on-one in-person interactions, avoiding long drives and crowded waiting rooms. There will always be a role for in-person doctor visits, but a hybrid model seems to be the best solution in navigating the new COVID world.”
2. Use of freestanding surgery centers. “Surgery centers have always been a safe and efficient model for healthcare delivery. Operating rooms have implemented special precautions above and beyond the standard surface cleaning guidelines by the CDC and AORN. Typically run with a smaller staff, the centers allow for social distancing precautions as well as eliminate the proximity of an emergency room or ICU with COVID-sick patients. Clinical results demonstrate extremely low complication rates for outpatient surgeries — lumbar fusion, cervical disc replacements, [sacroiliac] joint fusion. Additionally, the surgery center allows for near complete control of the clinical pathway from check-in to discharge.”
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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.