New DOH Guidance on Elective Surgery Changes 3 Day COVID-19 Test Rule to 5 Days

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
June 15, 2020

New DOH Guidance on Elective Surgery Changes 3 Day Covid-19
Test Rule to 5 Days

 

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

“The updated ‘elective surgery’ guidance announced by the New York State Department of Health importantly changes from 3 days to 5 days the time frame prior to an elective surgery that a patient must have received a negative Covid-19 test.  This change is essential because of the difficulty many physicians and patients were having with obtaining and receiving the results of a Covid-19 test within 72 hours of a planned elective surgery.  This change should help many more patients to be able to obtain the surgical care and cancer testing (such as colonoscopies) they need. 

“MSSNY thanks the NYSDOH and the Cuomo Administration for their efforts to provide this needed flexibility to assist patients in receiving necessary care that had been delayed due to the need to prioritize health care resources during the height of the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

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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