The Impact of the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic on Access to Endoscopy Procedures in the VA Healthcare System
Andrew J. Gawron, Tonya Kaltenbach, Jason A. Dominitz
Abstract
The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in rapid and widespread interruption to health care, impacting national, regional, and local health care systems and practices. Postponement of nonurgent care was recommended at a national level and across all major medical professional societies.1,2 Decisions to postpone or cancel hundreds of thousands of nonurgent and elective surgeries and procedures were aimed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and preserve resources, including ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Topics & Concepts
PostponementPandemicPersonal protective equipmentHealth careCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)MedicineMedical emergencyHealthcare systemCoronavirusDiseaseBusinessInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyEconomic growthMarketingEconomicsCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsColorectal Cancer Screening and DetectionBody Contouring and Surgery