Have a conversation with your patients about COVID-19 vaccination

As surgeons, having difficult conversations with our patients is part of the job. Now we need your help in starting a new conversation: speaking with your patients about being vaccinated against COVID-19.

The American College of Surgeons has considered some frequently asked questions you may be getting from your patients. We realize that due to local issues, giving a uniform answer to these questions is not entirely possible. However, we hope you use this document as a guide and verify the information on a state and local level as well as with your hospital as you prepare to Talk It Up! with your patients.

#TalkItUp | It’s very important.

The American College of Surgeons has developed the following resources to help prepare you to Talk It Up! with your patients.

COVID-19 Hotline for Health Questions
651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
7:00am-7:00pm

Financial Relief for Surgeons

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27th, that provides some pathways for physicians to obtain financial assistance for their practices. Many of you want to apply for this assistance if you are experiencing financial strains on your practice related to COVID-19. 


Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS)

Recently expanded the Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program. Surgeons and others may request advanced Medicare payments to address cash flow issues based on historical payments.

About accelerated and advance payment program – click here

Fact Sheet: Expansion of the Accelerated and Advance Payments Program for Providers and Suppliers During Covid-19 Emergency click here


Small Business Loans

In addition, relief for small businesses, including those run by physicians, was included in the $2 trillion CARES Act legislation. The provisions include the appropriation of $562 million for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to ensure that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has adequate resources to assist businesses in need.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support designed to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, small business owners in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and U.S. territories are eligible to apply.

The CARES Act clarified that eligibility would be for those businesses of 500 employees or less at each business location.

Learn more about Economic Injury Disaster Loans and find the appropriate applications here.

Information provided by the American College of Surgeons.

American College of Surgeons Releases New Guidance Document to Help Health Care Facilities Best Prepare for Resuming Elective Surgery

American College of Surgeons (ACS) released a new surgical resource document, “Local Resumption of Elective Surgery Guidance,” as a guide for health care facilities preparing to resume elective surgery once the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has peaked in their area.