Same-day surgery centers are worried that federal guidance to delay elective medical procedures during the coronanvirus outbreak could shutter their operations.
“The economic ramifications of this are going to be enormous,” William Prentice, CEO of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, said in an interview. “You’re talking about 70% or more of surgeries being postponed.”
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued guidance on Wednesday recommending that all elective surgeries and non-essential medical, surgical, and dental procedures be postponed.
The move is designed to preserve beds, ventilators, and personal protective equipment and free up providers to focus on the coming ...