A couple of areas in the country are witnessing a decline in COVID-19 cases so, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be issuing guidance on giving non-COVID-19 care to patients without symptoms in regions with low and stable incidence of the coronavirus.

The recommendations have led to updating of earlier guidance provided by CMS on putting a limit on non-essential surgeries and medical procedures. These new CMS guidelines recommend a slow transition and encourage providers to coordinate with local and state public health officials. They are to review the availability of personal protective equipment and other supplies, facility readiness, workforce availability and testing capacity, while making a decision to re-start or increase in-person care.

Healthcare facilities and providers in areas with higher incidence of COVID-19 are encouraged to continue following the recommendations made by CMS last month. These recommendations were issued to expand capacity for extending care to patients with COVID-19 for reducing the risk of transmission and to conserve adequate supplies during the present public health emergency.

Healthcare providers and patients are encouraged to continue using viral care for services manageable via remote appointments.

Healthcare facilities in some areas are stretched to the limits of capacity and areas affected seriously have been augmenting care. CMS mentioned that however, many parts of the country have a low or relatively low and stable incidence of COVID-19. So, it is vital to be flexible while providing non-COVID-19 healthcare.

Hospitals are estimated to be losing 50% of their revenue due to the loss of elective surgeries and other procedures during the coronavirus crisis. CEOs have said they are struggling to meet payroll, while some hospitals have even furloughed staff and reduced physician salaries to cut down expenses.

CMS recommendations are not supposed to be implemented by every state, county or city at this time. Governors and local leaders need to decide whether they are suitable for their communities.