Optim Health System announced the temporary restrictions placed on elective surgery and outpatient procedures due to COVID-19 have been lifted. The decision to resume was based, in part, on guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Hospital Association, the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Association of Perioperative Nurses, and the Governor of Georgia.

“We understand the lingering concerns about COVID-19 might still be causing some hesitation in scheduling or rescheduling a surgery or procedure,” stated David Perry, Optim Health System CEO.  “Our team has always championed a culture of safety and patient-focused orthopedic and interventional pain care at Optim Surgery Center and Optim Medical Center-Tattnall, and we have been incredibly proactive adding protocols as COVID-19 has evolved.”

Some of the enhanced safety and protection steps include:

-Entry points are limited and secured

-Everyone entering the hospital or surgery center is required to wear a mask while in the facility

-Patients and visitors must clear a set of COVID-19 screening questions prior to arriving at the hospital or surgery center for scheduled procedures, and then again upon arrival accompanied by temperature checks

-Patients are being asked to only bring one visitor, if possible, and that visitor much be 18 years of age or older

-Physical distancing is required and supported in all areas, including limited seating and access to common areas

-Frequent disinfection and sanitation of surfaces in all areas

-Physicians and staff must clear a set of COVID-19 screening questions at the start of their shift, and have their temperature checked multiple times throughout their shift

-Strict infection prevention procedures are being followed, with operating rooms, procedure rooms and equipment thoroughly sanitized between every use

-Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is strictly used in all surgeries and procedures

Focusing on the patient first and foremost, Optim Surgery Center and Optim Medical Center-Tattnall have become some of the most awarded and accredited facilities in the region for safety, quality and compassion in delivering world class care.

Optim Surgery Center is accredited by the Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which measures the quality of its services and performance against nationally recognized Standards.

Optim Medical Center-Tattnall was recently DNV-GL Accredited and Certified for Quality and Patient Safety as an Orthopedic Center of Excellence for Hip and Knee Replacement, Shoulder Surgery, and Spine Surgery.

Optim Medical Center-Tattnall was named by Healthgrades• as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement™ for the seventh consecutive year (2014 – 2020). Other consistent recognitions by Healthgrades include:

-Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ (2014 – 2020)

-Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Joint Replacement (2014 – 2020)

-Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement (2012 – 2020)

-Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement (2014 – 2020)

-Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery (2016 – 2020)

-Patient Safety Excellence Award (2017, 2019, 2020)

Prior to COVID-19 and still today, Optim Surgery Center and Optim Medical Center-Tattnall remain a uniquely attractive option in the region for patients in need of orthopedic surgery and interventional pain procedures.  Surgical patients in an Optim Health System surgical facility can expect less exposure to possible viruses and general illnesses due to the focus on musculoskeletal care and elective surgeries and procedures versus a larger general acute care hospital. Reduced exposure is widely established as one of the ways to greatly reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 and other viruses and illnesses.

“Safety and high-quality care are our top priorities,” explained Perry. “Despite having no COVID-19 cases at our surgery center in Savannah or our hospital in Reidsville, we continue to be vigilant in applying our enhanced safety protocols. We are serious about protecting the health and well-being of our patients, our employees and providers, and everyone in the communities we serve and share.”

Patients who would like to schedule their elective surgery or outpatient procedure should first visit their orthopedic or interventional pain management provider.