In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic severely impacted the elective care field. Many practices had to completely shut down – and some have yet to reopen.
But the future is looking brighter for this segment of the healthcare industry. Right now, authorities are distributing coronavirus vaccines to Americans across the country. And some states are easing social distancing requirements for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and outpatient clinics.
As we emerge from one of the most challenging years in recent history, there are ways an elective care practice can position itself to thrive in 2021 and beyond.
Stay on top of state guidelines
If elective medical and fee-based services are currently prohibited where you live and work, that could be changing. Some states are preparing to lift COVID-19 restrictions in the first half of the year. According to the National Law Review, Arizona will allow elective surgeries to resume May 1, while in New Jersey, day spas and med spas may reopen June 22.
Once these executive orders go into effect, physicians, dentists, surgeons, and aestheticians can tackle the backlog of postponed or canceled procedures. Until then, stay in touch with current and prospective elective care practice patients. By monitoring their health and answering any questions they may have, you can prioritize cases based on need.
Put remote technology in place
As we pointed out before, many consumers have made the transition to using digital tools to interact with businesses. Those who reluctantly agreed to participate in virtual and remote consultations and appointments now embrace this technology because it’s easy to use and convenient. As a result, telehealth has soared in popularity.
Therefore, if you have not established a virtual communications system at your elective care practice, now is the time to put one in place. As Forbes notes, practitioners who adopt the technology also benefit because they can fit more patients into their schedules.
Protect yourself and your staff
Across the country, coronavirus vaccines are being distributed, and people are getting inoculated. However, this doesn’t mean you and your elective care practice team can let your guard down. To help keep everyone safe, the American Medical Association created a checklist. It addresses the following scenarios:
- Before your practice reopens
- as your practice reopens
- once you’re seeing patients
It’s important that you factor in potential COVID-19 exposures. Write down how you’ll handle contact tracing, employee staffing, and cleaning procedures, if someone who works in or visits your location is diagnosed with COVID-19.
LeadingResponse is here for you
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many elective care practices are struggling. If your goal in 2021 is to expand your business, LeadingResponse works extensively with elective care practitioners. Discover how we can help you market your practice to prospective and existing patients and grow your fee-for-service caseload.