Novant Health UVA Health System to limit elective procedures, visits, services

Novant Health UVA Health System will be following expanded recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Surgeon General and American College of Surgeons and prioritizing services at its hospitals and clinic locations, effective at 5 p.m. Friday, March 20. Emergency and essential services will continue uninterrupted.

All non-time sensitive surgeries – In line with other healthcare systems in the region, Novant Health UVA Health System will be adopting the following guidelines for the definition of elective/non-time sensitive surgeries: a scheduled surgery for patients where postponement will not have a negative impact on the patient’s health. Emergency and essential services will continue uninterrupted.
Elective imaging procedures – An elective procedure is one that is chosen (elected) by the patient or physician that is advantageous to the patient but is not urgent. For example, screening mammograms, bone density and non-urgent magnetic resonance imaging procedures.

Cardiac rehabilitation and fitness centers – All Novant Health UVA Health System fitness centers and cardiac rehabilitation facilities will be closed until further notice.

Outpatient rehabilitation – Outpatient physical/occupational/speech therapy visits will be suspended. No new patient appointments will be scheduled, and existing patients will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For time-sensitive rehabilitation needs, patients may be transitioned to a virtual therapy or coaching session.

Outpatient services – Sleep center services and some wound care will be rescheduled. Intensive outpatient behavioral health visits will be transitioned to virtual visits.

Outpatient clinics – All ambulatory clinic visits will be rescheduled or converted to a virtual visit (as appropriate), except for urgent care, sick visits and other time-sensitive visits.

Rescheduling these appointments will minimize the risk of spreading respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 among patients, visitors and healthcare providers. It also allows our healthcare system to conserve critical resources and focus care on those who need it most. Affected patients will be contacted directly to reschedule, as needed.