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. 2020 May 11;8(5):e2904.
doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002904. eCollection 2020 May.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 State Guidelines on Elective Surgery: Considerations for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Benjamin A Sarac  1 , Anna R Schoenbrunner  2 , Stelios C Wilson  3 , Ernest S Chiu  3 , Jeffrey E Janis  2
Affiliations

Coronavirus Disease 2019 State Guidelines on Elective Surgery: Considerations for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Benjamin A Sarac et al. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. .

Abstract

Vague recommendations regarding elective surgery have been proposed by national organizations in an attempt to conserve personal protective equipment and to protect healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. In response, some states have attempted to provide more clear guidance.

Methods: An internet search was performed to identify and analyze what guidance each state published through government websites through April 10, 2020.

Results: Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia published guidance in the form of either a recommendation or a mandate. Procedures relating to cosmetics and malignancy were found to be mentioned in 4 and 12 states, respectively, but ultimately lacked case-specific information.

Conclusions: Current government and state recommendations do not provide clear guidance on how plastic and reconstructive surgeons should approach elective surgeries. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of all plastic and reconstructive surgeons to operate under appropriate law while individualizing their practices to best suit the needs of their patients while being mindful of resource limitations and exposure risks.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Dr. Janis received royalties from Thieme Publishing. The other authors have no financial interest to declare.

References

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    1. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CMS adult elective surgery and procedures recommendations: Limit all non-essential planned surgeries and procedures, including dental, until further notice. Available at https://www.cms.gov/files/document/31820-cms-adult-elective-surgery-and-.... Accessed March 23, 2020.
    1. Ambulatory Surgery Center Association. State guidance on elective surgeries. Available at https://www.ascassociation.org/asca/resourcecenter/latestnewsresourcecen....
    1. Alaska. **Amended COVID-19 health mandate**. 2020. Available at https://gov.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/04072020-COVID-Mandate.... Accessed April 10, 2020.
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