03/20/20
Due to new CMS and CDC recommendations, as of Monday March 23rd, FCH is limiting non-essential, “elective”, planned surgeries, procedures, tests, and routine appointments. We are asking our medical providers and specialists to consider the medical necessity of the test, procedure, or appointment to consider whether it can be delayed or postponed to a later point in time. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we will consult with various resources at the CDC, DHHS, and Public Health to determine when it is safe to resume these tests, procedures, and appointments.
To be clear, FCH is not cancelling all surgeries, procedures, tests, and appointments. We are asking that our providers consider medical necessity and weigh unique patient factors in making the determination if a medical service can or cannot wait. Certainly, the general health and age of the patient are considerations in the provider’s determination as well as the acuity of illness.
Much of this is being done to preserve critical resources such as personal protective equipment and hospital beds, but also to limit unnecessary exposure of patients, visitors, and staff. The safety of our patients, visitors, and staff is our top priority at this moment in time.
We appreciate your understanding with these temporary changes and look forward to days when we can resume a sense of normalcy in our hospital and clinics.
Sincerely,
Chris Nichols, CEO
Fillmore County Hospital
