Considerations for the outpatient practice in pediatric surgery during the novel SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Abstract

In the face of COVID-19 we can only hope for small victories, but small victories are what win wars. With the above strategies, and rolling out Telemedicine in our practice, we have recouped some of our outpatient service losses. We are now seeing patients at 42% utilization and the numbers are steadily rising. As a pediatric surgeon remaining flexible and adaptable to the needs of the community can help minimize disruption to your practice and maximize your contribution to the community. Pediatric surgery training provides the surgeon with a diverse skill set that makes them well suited to practice adaptation. COVID-19 has impacted most aspects of the health care system in the United States. Immediately visible are the tragic consequences from the overwhelming of health care systems with critically ill patients like in New York. However, the emotional and financial devastation on health care workers and their communities will likely far outlast the need for ventilators.