Jacqueline A. Bello, MD, FACR, chair of the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) Commission on Quality and Safety, contributed this post.
Many regions around the country are facing a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past week, several states have taken the first steps to open their economies. As radiology practices begin to grapple with when and how to safely resume non-urgent care such as mammograms, image-guided procedures and more, the ACR is committed to helping radiology practices around the country make more informed decisions on how to approach this new phase while putting the health and safety of our patients, providers and staff first.
In accordance with this transition, the ACR Commission on Quality and Safety has constructed and released the ACR Statement on Safe Resumption of Non-Urgent Radiology Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic for further guidance.
While there is no simple, one-size-fits-all approach for the safe re-engagement of non-urgent radiology care, we have prepared guidelines that can be applied to most practice environments. This includes the consideration of local COVID-19 statistics; availability of personal protective equipment; local, state and federal government mandates; institutional regulatory guidance; local safety measures; healthcare worker availability; patient and healthcare worker risk factors; factors specific to the indication(s) for radiology care; and examination or procedure acuity.
Radiology leaders should ultimately work closely with hospital systems, referring providers and patients to coordinate safe and effective care based on unique local factors. The health and safety of all patients, providers and staff members remains of the utmost importance in determining your practice’s status.
Read the full ACR Statement on Safe Resumption of Non-Urgent Radiology care during the COVID-19 Pandemic published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology for more information.
- The ACR is here to support you as we navigate through this next transitional period. Keep up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 radiology-specific clinical, economic and legislative resources and more on acr.org/covid19. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, and join the discussion on Engage (login required).
