Aspirus will begin seeing more patients for all types of care including procedures, and primary and specialty care, that may have previously been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release issued Monday.
The health system is working closely with its physicians to safely increase in a controlled manner its volume of procedures and appointments. In doing so, Aspirus will closely monitor its use of important supplies and follow guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health agencies.
“I’m proud of the efforts our team has made to address the COVID-19 pandemic while still caring for patients experiencing a wide variety of health care needs,” said Matthew Heywood, President/CEO of Aspirus, Inc. “We are glad to be increasing our care capacity because we are concerned that people may be delaying care for non COVID-19 health issues, which can lead to smaller problems becoming more serious.”
Aspirus made several operational changes in recent days related to the COVID-19 outbreak including expanding test capabilities and designating areas within clinics to provide both primary and specialty care services to patients with and without COVID-19 symptoms.
In addition to these operational changes Aspirus implemented visitor restrictions, enhanced screening for patients, employees and providers; and expanded separate intensive care capacity and negative pressure rooms, the release states.
Heywood said further delaying or postponing care for health needs could be a larger concern than the virus itself.
Aspirus will be contacting patients who may have had previous appointments delayed due to COVID-19. Aspirus also encourages anyone with health concerns to call their doctors’ office to schedule an appointment. Appointments can be offered in person, over the phone or via videoconferencing where appropriate.
