The federal government is asking hospitals to limit non-urgent medical and dental procedures to ensure that medical equipment and staff are available to treat the coronavirus.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued guidance this week saying hospitals should consider delaying elective procedures like knee replacements and even some cancer treatments.
The agency says life-saving surgeries should go forward. But elective surgeries that can be scheduled in advance should be postponed if the patient can wait.
The ultimate decision is up to the provider.
The federal government hopes to conserve the limited supply of personal protective gear like masks and gowns. Some hospitals in California don't have enough of the critical gear to protect health providers from the coronavirus.
The guidelines are also intended to help hospitals decide which surgeries are higher priority as they ramp up for a potential surge of coronavirus patients.
SOME STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT COVID-19
We're all living through this extraordinary and frightening pandemic. The vast majority of our newsroom has been working from home (here's some advice on that) since March 11 to bring you calm, helpful reporting. We are answering your questions and taking more. LAist is known for our events listings but now hopefully we'll be known for our non-event listings and tips for parents to try to keep you sane. And we're looking for your nominations for everyday heroes in this time of crisis. We're here to help. And if you can help support that effort financially, we'd be grateful.
