MSSNY Objects to Ambulatory Surgery Center Exclusion for “Elective” Surgeries


MSSNY Seal
MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
865 Merrick Avenue, Westbury, New York 11590-9007
www.mssny.org
Communications Division
Telephone: (516) 488-6100

 

For Immediate Release
May 1, 2020 

MSSNY Objects to Ambulatory Surgery Center Exclusion for “Elective” Surgeries

Statement Attributable to:
Art Fougner, M.D.
President, Medical Society of the State of New York

“MSSNY has reached out to Governor Cuomo and to the New York State Department of Health to more clearly understand the rationale behind the seemingly arbitrary exclusion of Ambulatory Surgery Centers from Executive Order 202.25 that permits “elective” surgeries in selected counties across New York State where there is a reduced threat of a coronavirus surge.

“We were perplexed to see that such procedures could only be performed in hospitals, rather than other facilities regulated by the New York State Department of Health that regularly provide outpatient procedures. MSSNY and other specialty societies believe that there is compelling need to permit their patients in these 35 counties to be able to receive needed treatment to address their patients’ pain needs and other serious medical conditions that are adversely affecting these patients’ lives.

“To be clear, elective does not mean ‘not medically necessary’.  Patients in these counties deserve to have the choice to receive these services in facilities where there is likely less risk of inadvertent coronavirus transmission, provided certain protocols are met to protect these patients’ health.

“We look forward to further fruitful discussions to better ensure patients can receive the care they need in the most appropriate care setting.”

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About the Medical Society of the State of New York
Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all.

MSSNY Contact:
Roseann Raia
Communications / Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, New York
516-488-6100 ext 302
rraia@mssny.org

 

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