COVID-19 has created unique and challenging circumstances for us all. Elective surgeries are by-and-large on hold for at least the next 30 days, and due to the outbreak and containment challenges that the virus brings, it’s still too early to know exactly how long the non-essential medical procedure “freeze” will go on.
But what we do know is that the Covid-19 crisis will eventually come to an end, and things will get back to normal. When that happens, ophthalmologists and other specialties will likely start piling on the cases that have been put on hold during this time so that they can take care of their patients’ needs.
We foresee this potentially creating an elective surgery influx for the latter half of 2020.
How to prepare for the cataract surgery influx after Covid-19.
If you are already doing cataracts in your facility….consider the following:
1) Take inventory of your case supplies and lenses.
Being prepared is the best way to make sure that you are ready to take on the influx. Take inventory of your case supplies and vendor relationships to make sure that the supply chain is ready for a busy spell. This might be more challenging than normal as many specialties will all be doing this at the same time, so getting all the supplies needed for each day might be stressful.
*Alternatively, forming a partnership with Surgical Direct eliminates the need to manage any of your cataract supply inventory (AND Lens Inventory), and drastically reduces the heavy-lifting for you and your team. We coordinate with you and your surgeons, providing tailor-made case supply lists and lens picks for each case, bringing all supplies with us on the day of surgery. Think of the hours you could save.
2) Check the health of your cataract equipment
Checking the health of your phaco machines, hand-pieces, and microscopes before the influx hits is important, which may include performing in-house tests, and scheduling PM checks with the manufacturer. You don’t want an equipment failure to halt surgery in the middle of an influx. If your equipment is 10+ years old, now may be a good time to consider upgrading to new technology. The real problem we will likely be facing is that facility budgets will be very tight for the remainder of the year.
*Alternatively, forming a partnership with Surgical Direct opens the door to immediately utilize the latest cataract technology. Our per-case pricing model allows you access with no capital expense. Plus, you won’t need to worry about PM’s, repair costs, or backups. We take care of everything.
If you are not doing cataracts in your facility….the near future may be the right time to start.
Surgical Direct’s turn-key cataract program allows you to get cataracts started in your facility, mitigating the hassle and upstart capital to do so. Don’t have a relationship with a cataract surgeon in your area? No problem! Our plug & play program connects surgeons, hospitals/ASCs, and referring OD’s in your community, to get the ball rolling. We then provide the equipment and supplies to your facility on surgery day. Starting a cataract program in your facility is easier with Surgical Direct.
So, as we all think about preparing for the elective surgery influx after covid-19, planning ahead is the key. Now is a great time to start the dialogue about an upgraded cataract program with Surgical Direct.
