COVID-19 Resources

Ambulatory Anesthesia and COVID FAQ: We are collecting answers to the most frequently asked questions. Check back often for updates.

Statement on Timing of Elective Ambulatory Surgery During COVID-19 Resurgence in the U.S.

February 23, 2021

The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) is concerned about the resurgence of COVID-19 cases throughout the country. Beginning in late fall 2020 viral spread and rates of infection dramatically increased. However, just very recently the numbers have started to mitigate, though rates of infection are almost twice the peaks that we saw in summer 2020. In addition, testing capabilities have escalated, and vaccination is being offered to healthcare workers and senior citizens. Read the full statement below.

Statement on COVID-19 Testing Before Ambulatory Anesthesia

May 1, 2020

Guidance on pre-operative COVID-19 testing and it’s application specifically to NORA and OBA, inclusive of procedures as well as surgeries, as of the date of issuance.

Read Statement

Resuming Ambulatory Anesthesia Care

April 20, 2020

A statement on resuming ambulatory anesthesia care, as of the date of issuance, supported by our affiliate societies – the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA).

Read Statement

Recommendations for Ambulatory Elective Surgery During COVID-19 Pandemic

March 17, 2020

Guidance compiled using the most current information about COVID-19 available at the date of issuance regarding  continuing or postponing elective surgeries.

COVID-SAFE ASC Checklist

April 20, 2020

As the number of patients with COVID-19 begins to level off, many states have eased restrictions for resuming elective surgeries. While the expectation of a COVID-FREE environment anywhere is likely not possible, a more realistic and achievable goal is to be COVID-SAFE.

SAMBA has compiled and is offering this COVID-SAFE Checklist to help ambulatory anesthesiologists create COVID-SAFE environments, helping to reassure the public and patients that you are committed to appropriate measures designed to protect their safety as they receive anesthesia care for their procedures and surgeries.

As your facility complies with all of the checklist items on an ongoing basis, it may display a certificate at the end of the Checklist document indicating it follows the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) COVID-SAFE Checklist measures.

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SAMBA’s ASC Membership is designed to provide surgical centers a cost-effective way to keep all medical staff and allied health providers that work in an ASC, Endoscopy Center or office-based setting up-to-date on the latest industry knowledge.

SAMBA offers ASC Memberships to encourage Medical Directors, and staff physicians to participate not only in educational activities related to Ambulatory Surgery, but also provides a platform for sharing information and educational tools among the industry’s most talented practitioners.

Learn more about our ASC Membership.

Reflections of an Ambulatory Anesthesiologist from the COVID Front Lines

Tazeen Beg, MD

Dr. Tazeen Beg is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology at the Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York. She is the first Chief of the Division of Non-Operating Room Anesthesia (NORA) at the hospital and was instrumental in its evolution. Dr. Beg also works at the Ambulatory Surgery Center. She is an active member of several committees at SAMBA, including the NORA and Communications Committees and the PBLD committee at the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists and has been a delegate. Her interests are focused on teaching the residents and improving the safety of patients in the endoscopy unit.

Access Article

As we move forward – there still may be many questions or concerns about COVID-19 and what it means for everyone. The provided forum allows us to network and discuss COVID-19 and all it entails.

Resources

The following links provide insights to different aspects of COVID-19.

Professional Organizations

Resuming Elective Surgery After COVID-19

Resources for Physicians (Journals)

Information from ASCA

COVID-19 Prevention

Human Resources

CDC Webinars

Healthcare Field

Other Physician Resources

News From Our International Partner

Fitness Resources

  • Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu is a member of parliament in Uganda representing Kyadondo East constituency in Wakiso District, in Uganda’s Central Region. He is also a Ugandan musician and actor and is also known by his stage name Bobi Wine. He released this song about the Coronavirus.
  • There are many websites and organizations that now provide free workouts. Just make sure that you don’t congregate with friends or neighbors. Remember also that you can walk or run outside, as long as you practice social distancing.

SAMBA is providing the information on this site as a public service to assist anesthesiologists and other personnel working in ambulatory settings to deal with COVID-19-related issues. The information is not intended as medical or legal advice. Readers and viewers of the material available on this site should review this information with appropriate medical and legal counsel to assess the applicability of the information to their individual practice settings, as well as compliance with state and federal law. While SAMBA has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate information, SAMBA does not guarantee the accuracy of all information presented on this site. SAMBA shall not be liable for omissions, typographical errors, or out-of-date information that may appear on the SAMBA website. This information does not represent SAMBA policy.

Updated: 5/20/2020

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