Coronavirus: What surgeries, procedures are considered elective?

ajc.com

After the Ohio Department of Health ordered that hospitals postpone elective procedures and surgeries due to coronavirus many Ohioans were left wondering what procedures are non-elective.

By delaying the procedures more face masks and other protective equipment for healthcare workers will be available for those treating or seeing patients with coronavirus.

>> Coronavirus timeline: A look at the orders changing life in Ohio

The Ohio Hospital Association helped create guidelines for hospitals determine which surgeries and procedures should be rescheduled.

Procedures will be delayed unless:

• There is a threat to the patient's life if surgery or a procedure is not preformed

• There is a threat of permanent dysfunction of an extremity or organ function

• There is a risk of metastasis or progression of staging

• There is a risk of rapidly worsening to severe symptoms

>> Coronavirus: Complete Coverage

If a surgery is considered non-elective, only healthcare workers who are essential to the procedure will be present in surgery suites or patient care areas where protective equipment is needed.

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