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Essential Surgery Update and Review Process

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As you know effective March 18, 2020, the Governor directed all facilities in Ohio to limit surgeries in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 and to preserve PPE and critical hospital capacity. Non-essential surgery is a procedure that can be delayed without undue risk to the current or future health of the patient. Examples of the criteria to consider for essential surgery are: 

  • Threat to the patient’s life if surgery or procedure is not performed 
  • Threat of permanent dysfunction of an extremity or organ system 
  • Risk of metastasis or progression of staging 
  • Risk of rapidly worsening severe symptoms (time sensitive

The Review Committee meets Monday through Friday reviewing cases to assure compliance with the above criteria. During the review the committee approves or postpones the case. Immediately after the review surgeons will be notified via MatchMD of either the approval or postponement. If postponed, the surgeon may appeal by completing the surgery scheduling form and check Appeal with clear justification.   

The committee is reviewing cases two weeks in advance of the scheduled date in order to allow surgeons to plan appropriately for patient care and notification and to allow sufficient time for appeal. Any change in patient status will be taken into account as per physician request.  

Cases added on after the committee has met or emergently are scheduled through the normal channels. Surgeons must complete and sign the scheduling form indicating the rationale for the case.  

March 26, 2020
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