A recent survey, conducted May 11 to 26, 2020 asked orthopedic physicians how the novel coronavirus is affecting their medical practice. While some of their answers were shocking, given the pervasive nature of this pandemic virus, these answers were understandable.
More than 1,500 practicing orthopedic surgeons, across multiple specialties, answered the survey. Of those, 83% said they believe that, despite all the precautions taken, patients still view hospitals as “unclean or not safe.”
As a direct result of these fears, more than one-in-three patients have postponed a non-emergency surgery by an average of three months. That means people are putting off necessary medical procedures, because they believe their health is at greater risk in a hospital setting, even as an outpatient undergoing same-day ambulatory surgery. That’s understandable, because you should always consider the risks before any surgery. But delaying a procedure that could result in a better quality of life is a terrible choice to have to make.
We do not want our patients to have to make that choice, which is why Dr. Skaliy only operates in our private, state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center (ASC), the Windward Surgical Center. We do not treat patients in the hospital, so our patients are not exposed to the additional risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus, as they may be in a hospital setting. In fact, since we are not a primary care practice, we are not treating patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in any capacity.
As an added precaution to further protect our patients, we continue to closely monitor the spread of the virus, and we will continue to follow the protocols suggested by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These practices include medical social distancing in all areas, sterilizing all exam rooms and the surgical center after each patient, regular testing to ensure no member of our staff is positive for COVID-19, and testing each patient for symptoms of potential viral infection.
Operating out of an independent office and surgery center allows our staff to more closely manage many factors related to COVID-19 prevention, including infection control, which reduces patient risk of contracting the disease while in our care, and schedule density, which increases our ability to be certain all patients maintain proper social distancing before, during, and after treatment.
These practices do more than address legitimate and immediate patient concerns. We are prepared to continue these advanced patient safety protocols as long as COVID-19 presents a significant risk, which could be for some time to come. In the same survey, three out of four orthopedic surgeons believe we’re still experiencing the initial wave of the pandemic, and they expect a second wave of COVID-19 is on its way. Whatever happens, we will continue to operate with the utmost focus on protecting our patients, doing all we can to improve your health and comfort, helping you get “back to life” safely.
If you are in pain, and you are curious about how our team can help you find relief, call Atlanta Spine Specialists at (770) 844-3242, or click here to schedule an appointment. If you cannot come to our office for any reason, call us and we will set up a phone consultation or a telemedicine appointment to help you achieve some relief. When we meet, in the office or over the phone, we will discuss your specific situation and review possible treatment options. Don’t let COVID-19 force you to live in pain! We are open, virus-free, and ready to help you. Contact Atlanta Spine Specialists today.