The Impact of Confirmed COVID-19 Infection on Ambulatory Procedures and Associated Delays in Care for Asymptomatic Patients

Larsen, Christopher G.; Bub, Christine D.; Schaffler, Benjamin C.; Walden, Timothy; Intravia, Jessica M.

BACKGROUND: Since the reopening of ambulatory centers, minimal data has been reported regarding positive tests among patients undergoing ambulatory procedures, associated delays in care, and outcomes of patients previously positive for Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19). METHODS: A retrospective observational case series of ambulatory procedures was performed. Records since the reopening of ambulatory centers in New York were searched for patients with positive COVID-19 nasal swab results who underwent ambulatory procedures. Chart reviews were conducted to determine COVID history and hospitalizations, demographic information, procedure details, and 30-day admissions. RESULTS: 3762 patients underwent ambulatory procedures. 53 were previously diagnosed with COVID-19, but recovered and tested negative at pre-procedural testing. 37 of 3709 asymptomatic patients (1.00%) tested positive during pre-procedural testing; 21 patients had their procedures delayed on average 28.6 days until testing negative, while 16 had their procedures performed before testing negative due to the time sensitivity of the procedure. There were no major complications or 30-day admissions in any of these asymptomatic patients. Three patients tested positive for COVID after having an ambulatory procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Positive tests in asymptomatic patients led to procedure delays of 28.6 days. No patients who underwent ambulatory procedures after a positive COVID-19 test had any COVID-related complications, regardless of whether or not the procedure was delayed until testing negative. 3 patients tested positive for COVID-19 after having an ambulatory procedure, however at an average of 19.7 days after these cases were likely community acquired making the rate of nosocomial infection negligible.