The CDC provides a framework for clinicians to help them prioritize health care services for non-Covid-19 patients during the pandemic based on the likeliness of potential harm to patients from not receiving services and the degree of Covid-19 transmission in the practice’s local community.
According to the CDC, the following examples are highly likely to result in patient harm if care is delayed:
- Signs and symptoms of a stroke or heart attack
- Dental emergencies
- Acute abdominal pain
- Treatment for certain cancers
The following examples may result in patient harm if in-person care is delayed:
- A change in symptoms for chronic conditions
- Musculoskeletal injury
- Certain planned surgical repairs
- Physical or occupational therapy
The following examples are unlikely to cause harm if care is deferred:
- Routine primary or specialty care
- Care for well-controlled chronic conditions
- Routine screening for asymptomatic conditions
- Most elective surgeries and procedures
This article first appeared in the August 2020 issue of UC Berkeley Health After 50.
Published August 03, 2020
