“While this announcement is likely not a surprise, we also know these delays present many challenges to patients and their loved ones,” said Lynn Lingafelter, Chief Operating Officer, Deaconess. “However, these steps are necessary to protect patients and healthcare workers, and to reduce the demand on critical supplies and staffing.”

Physicians and providers are evaluating patients on a case-by-case basis, following CDC and other guidelines to protect as many people as possible. All surgeries, procedures and in-office visits [that a physician has determined can be safely postponed] will be rescheduled.

Additionally, due to recent expansion of telehealth laws and regulations, Deaconess Clinic has been able to convert many in-person visits to video or phone consultation with patients, when appropriate to do so.
“We know patients have ongoing needs, and we want to schedule many visits as telehealth visits so that our doctors can care for their patients,” said Dr. Allen White, Chief Medical Officer, Deaconess Clinic. “If patients need to be seen in-person, staff will help direct patients to locations where our doctors are still seeing patients for many concerns.”

Patients are being contacted by their physician’s office regarding their postponed appointments, procedures and surgeries.