On April 20, 2020, the Louisiana Department of Health issues revised order for medical and surgical procedures issued a revised order for medical and surgical procedures that will go into effect April 27, 2020. CLICK HERE to read the order from the Louisiana Department of Health.
The revised guidance, states medical and surgical procedures shall only be performed under the following conditions:
• in order to treat an emergency medical condition;
• to avoid further harms from an underlying condition or disease;
• and for time sensitive conditions.
Additionally, the order states dental visits, procedures and surgeries shall only be performed under the following conditions:
• in order to treat an emergency medical condition;
• to avoid further harms from an underlying condition or disease;
• and for time sensitive dental conditions.
Before facilities perform any procedure, each much have a plan in place to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms or test if possible; to ensure adequate physical distance between patients; must have a five-day minimum supply of PPE available; and must follow additional guidance outlined in the order.
The previous order allowed surgeries only for emergency medical conditions.
This order does not mean that all containment measures can be lifted across all facilities and specialties.
Healthcare services other than medical and surgical procedures should continue to happen via telehealth when medically appropriate.
Included in the guidance was language stating “Each facility or healthcare provider that performs any other healthcare service (other than a medical or surgical procedure or a dental procedure) shall be required to contact the patient within 10-14 days after the procedure to determine whether the patient has signs/symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19 since the procedure. Such contact shall be documented in the patient’s medical record. The facility or healthcare provider shall make recommendations to the patient who has signs/symptoms of COVID-19, including appropriate testing. Further, the facility or healthcare provider shall immediately inform the Office of Public Health, via electronic notification, if any such patient has tested positive for COVID-19.”
We heard from several members with concerns around this language and concern if well child and vaccine visits are allowed to continue. The LA AAP reached out to the department with our concerns are are glad to report that clarification was issued on 4/24/2020: Clarification Message: Allowable Medical, Surgical and Dental Procedures: Update . The message specifically states, “Preventive procedures/visits can be deemed time-sensitive if performed with recommended preventive and social distancing precautions (i.e. dental cleanings, well child visits).” Additionally, the clarification states, “Follow-up within 10-14 days is required from the last date (discharge) of the time-sensitive procedure(s).” We are thankful to the Department of Health for hearing our concerns and providing clarity on the issue.