Top questions about COVID-19 safety precautions for upcoming surgeries.
Will I be tested for COVID-19 prior to my procedure?
Yes, after your procedure is scheduled by your physicians office you will receive a phone call from ECLI (approximately 1 week before your procedure date) to schedule your COVID-19 test which must be conducted ~72 hours before your procedure. If ECLI is unable to reach you to schedule your COVID-19 test please call 516-227-ECLI (516-227-3254) no less than 72 hours before your procedure time. The test result will be sent to ECLI before your procedure and you will receive a phone call if there is any need to cancel your procedure due to a positive or inconclusive result being reported.
- If the COVID-19 test result is reported as negative and you do not have a fever, respiratory symptoms or any other illness, your procedure will proceed as planned.
- If the COVID-19 result is reported as positive, an evaluation will be performed and may result in your planned procedure being rescheduled for a future date.
If at any point before your scheduled procedure date you test positive for COVID-19 please notify your physician office to reschedule your procedure date. Per New York State Guidelines patients will not be scheduled for an elective procedure within 21 days of a last known positive COVID-19 test result.
What guidelines do I need to follow before my procedure?
As soon as your procedure is scheduled and you have had your COVID Test you must quarantine yourself and take the following precautionary steps:
- Do not go to work or school. Make arrangements to work from home.
- Avoid being out in public and using public transportation, ridesharing or taxis.
- As much as possible, separate yourself from other people in your home.
- Frequently wash your hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds and disinfect surfaces in your home often. Follow the disinfectant’s instructions on dilution and the time it should remain on the surface.
- Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as fever, coughing and sneezing—those with symptoms
should wear a mask or scarf. - Contact your physician if there are any changes in your health during this quarantine period such as a cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, abdominal pain or sudden respiratory symptoms.
How is the facility cleaned in order to ensure that it is safe to visit?
We are taking every measure to ensure a clean environment for our patients and staff by adhering to a routine cleaning schedule both in between each patient and at the end of the day.
What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) will doctors and nurses be wearing?
For the safety of all, each of our staff members will be wearing a procedure mask throughout the facility. Some members may be wearing additional PPE based on the procedure they are performing. This may include a gown, N95 respirator with a procedure mask over it, face shield, goggles and gloves.
What will I be required to wear as a patient?
All patients and any permitted escort are required to have a face covering, which can be either a mask or scarf, prior to entering. One will be provided if necessary. All patients should also expect to be screened for respiratory symptoms.
Will my healthcare team be a risk to me?
All of our staff members are asked to be aware of their health status and self-monitor. If any team member has any signs or symptoms of respiratory illness, they are asked not to report to work. Every team member will be wearing a mask.
Can a loved one visit me before and after my procedure?
While visitors are currently not allowed, our staff can call your family to keep them informed of your progress during the planned procedure. An escort is permitted only for special circumstances that deem them essential for the care and wellbeing of the patient, such as when accompanying a pediatric patient or a patient with an intellectual disability.
For more information, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.
