On Monday, CMS announced a plan to reopen health care systems in areas experiencing low incidences of coronavirus (COVID-19), as part of the Trump administration's Guidelines for Opening Up America Again. CMS Administrator, Seema Verma, acknowledged that parts of the country that are beginning to stabilize and see a decline in COVID-19 cases may begin implementing plans to recommence elective procedures as long as certain conditions and criteria are met.
The president's plan to reopen America will come in four phases. The CMS Recommendations on Re-opening Facilities to Provide Non-emergent Non-COVID-19 Healthcare: Phase I plan specifically targeted those who can meet the gating criteria for phase 1 under the guidelines. Health care facilities and practices in states that meet the 14-day downward trajectory requirements may begin to resume treatment of non-COVID-19 patients for elective procedures.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released Tracie, a health care emergency preparedness information gateway. This toolkit provides workforce resources to decision makers in the health care space specific to assisting them with their response to COVID-19.
Based on the newly released guidance from the Trump administration and CMS, AGA is working to quickly develop resources that will assist AGA members to re-open their practices and operate safely in the new normal, post-COVID-19. We encourage you to share your experiences and ask questions via the AGA Community
