DETROIT – The State of Michigan released new guidelines on seeking non-COVID-19 related medical or dental care during the ongoing pandemic.
An Emergency Order issued in March was signed “to ensure healthcare systems had enough staffing, bed capacity, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to care for all patients, as well as to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Recommended Videos
The state says the order “was meant to be flexible so patient care can be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine which services are needed more immediately and which can be safely delayed without resulting in a decline in health.”
Hospital capacity has improved and COVID-19 hospitalizations are decreasing. As a result, the state has issued new guidelines on seeking care. Basically, call your doctor and see what your options are.
Related: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 43,950; Death toll now at 4,135
“The Executive Order gives providers broad discretion,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive at MDHHS. “I applaud our frontline health care providers who put their lives at risk, and who are engaged in efforts to continue to care for their patients in the safest way possible. The guidelines should assist in determining the best way to treat patients without delaying needed medical services.”
The recommendations include:
- Limiting in-person contact as much as possible, and implementing best practices for infection prevention and control, such as maximizing the use of telehealth, eliminating waiting room times, requiring patients to wear masks, and more.
- Prioritizing in-person patient interactions and face-to-face appointments for the most vulnerable patients, and for necessary services like immunizations.
- Reassuring patients of appropriate safety measures such as expanded testing and PPE.
- Assuring appropriate surge capacity and developing emergency plans including how to gradually start doing more procedures, conserving PPE, and ensuring adequate supplies and staffing.
“We hope this guidance helps answer questions but recognize it is not a substitute for clinical judgment,” Khaldun said. “Providers know their patients best and will understand the safest, most effective ways to manage their care under these circumstances created by the pandemic.”
It is also important for patients to understand they should not delay important medical care, especially emergency care. If there are signs of potentially life-threatening diseases, such as a heart attack or stroke, do not delay testing or treatment.