Effective January 6, 2021, if one of your COVID-recovered patients is scheduled for surgery between 10-20 days after their positive COVID test, they will need a clearance phone call documented in EPIC. Based on the time and symptom based methodology for discontinuation of precautions, the clearance call is needed to assure that symptoms are improved and they are fever-free. This phone call should be completed by an LIP.

This telephone encounter should occur 72 hours prior to procedure. This workflow visio will help you determine whether your patient can proceed with surgery or if the patient needs to be rescheduled for a later date. Here is the tip sheet for the telephone encounter.

A smart text has been created for documentation; please use .covidsurgicalclearance. This smart text includes the needed questions as well as guidance.

If the patient may proceed to surgery, the telephone encounter should be routed to the “Infection Prevention Nurse." They can change the COVID banner to Recovered prior to day of surgery. This process will assure the correct PPE is used during the perioperative process.

This link will take you to a report containing upcoming procedures for patients who fall within the 10-20 day COVID+ range. (Note: if you aren't able to access this page you may need to click on the link on the page to request access to view it.)

If you have any questions about whether a patient qualifies to proceed with surgery please Voalte or staff message the Infection Prevention Nurse or the Infectious Disease specialists. Thank you for helping to keep our patients and staff safe.