SIS COVID-19 Resources for Members

The Spine Intervention Society is urging its members to closely familiarize themselves with and adhere to the following guidance regarding the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation to promote the safety of our healthcare teams and patients:

Current CDC Information
Check these useful CDC COVID-19 resources often for the most up-to-date information:

• Clinical Criteria: Identifying At-Risk Patients
• Information for Healthcare Professionals
• Information for Personnel with Potential Exposure to COVID-19
• Interim Guidance for Healthcare Facilities: Preparing for Community Transmission of COVID-19 in the United States
  

Procedural Decision Making

• As of March 16th, CDC guidance directs the health system to "reschedule non-urgent outpatient visits as necessary." Therefore, physicians should carefully consider when to cancel non-urgent procedures or prioritize their more urgent patients in order to reduce potential exposure and to ensure judicious use of potentially limited supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE). We recommend that physicians check the CDC website for updates to this recommendation given the evolving nature of this situation.
• As with other systemic infections, when considering a procedure for a patient with known COVID-19 infection, suspected COVID-19 infection, or a patient who has had close contact with an infected individual, non-urgent interventional pain procedures should be postponed until the patient is no longer infectious or it is determined that they do not have COVID-19. (See CDC materials above relative to identifying at-risk patients and guidance on potential exposure.)
• When considering a procedure for patients with co-morbidities that may place them at increased risk of immunosuppression, we urge physicians to carefully consider and explain to each individual patient the risks/benefits of the procedure and unique concerns during this time.
  

Relevant SIS FactFinders

• Glucocorticoid Impact: Infections and Vaccinations
• Spinal Injections in Immunosuppressed Patients and the Risks Associated with Procedural Care: To Inject or Not to Inject?

Stay Informed!
Consult the CDC resources listed above regularly for the most up-to-date information.