COVID-19: Doctors Can Still See Patients As Long As….
The FMA interpretation of Executive Order 20-72 is that only medically unnecessary, non-urgent or non-emergency procedures or surgeries are prohibited. This has been confirmed by staff at the Florida Department of Health in communications to the FMA this morning.
The Department of Health also confirmed that Physicians can continue to see patients for purposes of evaluation and management. Telemedicine visits can continue unabated. Primary care practitioners can continue to see and treat patients with chronic and acute conditions, perform wellness exams, and provide mental health services, that do not consume personal protective equipment. Specialists can see patients for follow-up care and other non-surgical purposes.
The medical care prohibited under this order is:
- Elective or non-medically necessary surgical procedures
- Surgical procedures that can be postponed without putting the patient’s immediate health, safety or well-being at risk
- Medical procedures that would consume personal protective equipment, that can be postponed without putting the patient’s immediate health, safety or well-being at risk
Physicians should consult the CMS recommendations for additional guidance.
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Your Meducated Minute: Doctors can still see patients as long as the services do not require PPE.
