Smart Strategies for Countering COVID-19 in America

Guidance for Patients and Providers

As America reopens for patients and clinicians, it is crucial to adopt smarter strategies to manage COVID-19. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed a guide aimed at assisting patients and beneficiaries in making informed decisions about in-person care.

Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, many healthcare providers had no choice but to limit services to prioritize essential treatments for COVID-19 patients. However, with the situation significantly improving, the government is encouraging private practices and clinics to resume normal operations. This includes continuing postponed non-emergency treatments and facilitating in-person patient visits.

Ensuring Safe Reopening of Healthcare Facilities

The patient guide from CMS is designed to support the safe reopening of healthcare facilities, ensuring that patients receive the necessary in-person care. The national public health emergency previously led to delays in regular appointments, procedures, and treatments.

Contributions of the Trump Administration

Advancements in Telehealth

The Trump administration made significant strides in expanding telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with their clinicians from the safety of their homes during the pandemic. Ms. Seema Verma, Administrator of CMS, emphasized the importance of in-person care, referring to it as the “gold level” of care. The government’s initiatives aim to assist patients who have been waiting for procedures, vaccinations, operations, and evaluations of chronic conditions.

Verma highlighted that healthcare is a right for every American and acknowledged the dedication of healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to provide safe care. Patients should feel assured when seeking in-person care as recommended by their providers.

Recommendations for Safe In-Person Care

On April 19, CMS released its first set of recommendations to safely initiate in-person care activities in regions with low or stable COVID-19 case numbers. This guidance is part of a broader effort to ensure patient and clinician safety as healthcare facilities enhance their in-person care standards.

CMS has outlined various topics crucial for maintaining safety, including facility measures, testing and sanitation protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and workforce availability. Although access to healthcare may be limited due to circumstances, it is essential not to prolong this situation due to financial challenges.

The Path to Reopening America

Balancing Economy and Health

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals have faced significant revenue losses as resources were redirected to manage the crisis. The Trump administration is advocating for a return to normalcy in the economy while adhering to strict safety protocols. This approach aims to create a gradual balance between expenses and revenue.

As with the initial recommendations, reopening decisions should align with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as guidance from the CDC and collaboration with public health authorities.

Addressing Patient Concerns

As America continues its reopening process, patients may have concerns about when to reconnect with their providers for in-person visits. CMS is committed to guiding patients empathetically, enabling them to make informed choices as they prepare to meet their healthcare providers.

For patient guidelines regarding in-person visits, you can access the resources in English here: [Patient Guidelines – English](https://cms.gov/files/document/covid-what-patients-should-know-about-seeking-health-care.pdf) and in Spanish here: [Patient Guidelines – Spanish](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/covid-what-patients-should-know-about-seeking-health-care-spanish.pdf).

For further updates on the Trump administration’s plans to reopen nursing homes, visit P3 investigates. For insights on the White House Coronavirus Task Force’s response to COVID-19, check out www.coronavirus.gov. Stay tuned for ongoing updates about CMS on our blog.