The impact of canceling elective procedures due to COVID-19

Two million surgical cases cancelled nationwide in just over a month. A ten-fold increase in the cost of supplies. When it comes to the pandemic’s effect on hospitals and ORs, the numbers speak for themselves.

Meticulous preparation is key to successful surgical procedures. Securing the appropriate supplies, optimally scheduling procedure times, and constantly maintaining accurate and updated maps to Current Procedural Terminology, or CPT® terms, are just a few factors to consider. But even the best planning couldn’t possibly have prepared US hospitals for the ripple effect COVID-19 has had on surgical services and, ultimately, their revenue.

In the middle of March, as the pandemic spread, elective surgeries ground to a halt, effectively shutting down the engine that powers large portions of the American healthcare system. While the full impact of this pause has yet to be determined, the data thus far is sobering:

For suggestions on how to prepare for the return of elective surgeries, click here.  

To learn how IMO Core Periop can help your organization, click here.

CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Ideas are meant for sharing.

Sign up today and have Ideas delivered straight to your inbox.

Related Ideas