Surgery & Procedures FAQs

Last Updated May 18, 2020

1. Why is MarinHealth resuming elective surgeries?
   We have been safely performing emergency, lifesaving surgeries throughout the Shelter-In-Place mandate, thanks to rigorous safety protocols for infection prevention. While elective surgeries were temporarily placed on hold, the American College of Surgeons and many other medical associations recently published guidelines for resuming elective surgery as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. These guidelines set specific criteria for safely resuming procedures, and MarinHealth Medical Center exceeds them.
2. Are other hospitals doing this?
   Yes, other Bay Area hospitals that have been operating under similar recommendations since Shelter-In-Place began and are now safely resuming elective procedures.
3. How do I know it will be safe?
   Our number one priority is the safety of our patients, families, and colleagues. All required safety precautions that have been in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will remain in place. MarinHealth Medical Center has been adhering to guidelines from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Marin County Public Health Department. While the guidelines are strict, our safety measures go well beyond them.
4. Will I be tested for COVID-19 before the surgery?
   Yes, you will need to have a COVID-19 test 4 days before your surgery. We will notify you before your surgery to discuss the results.
5. What if the results are positive?
   If your test results are returned positive, even if you are asymptomatic (have no symptoms), your surgery will be cancelled and rescheduled. Based on the urgency, the attending surgeon will decide to cancel/delay the procedure or to continue with the planned procedure. We will do our best to give you as much notice as possible, but often results are not returned until the day of surgery.
6. Will the staff be tested?
   Staff are critical for your care and they will continue to self-monitor for signs and symptoms, follow the evidence-based infection prevention guidelines, practice universal masking, and maintain social distancing in the hospital. If any staff exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, they will be tested and will not work their shift until results are returned and they are well.
7. Will I be allowed a visitor with me in the pre-op/post op?
   No visitors are allowed in pre- or post-op areas. However, during your procedure, 1 visitor may stay on campus and wait in a designated surgical waiting area. For the safety of our patients, staff and colleagues, all visitors will go through a health screening and temperature check before entry, and all visitors will be given a surgical mask to wear for the duration of their visit. Learn more about hospital safety precautions. We require everyone to maintain social distance while at MarinHealth Medical Center. Video conferencing is available if you want to connect with your family and loved ones while you are here. We understand that this causes an inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we comply with public health orders.
8. Will I need to redo my lab tests that I had done prior to my original surgery?
   Yes, you will need to be tested for COVID-19. If any other tests are now outdated, we will repeat those prior to your rescheduled procedure.