UPMC closing ambulatory care centers

UPMC announced Sunday it is closing all of its ambulatory surgery centers and consolidating surgeries and procedures into its hospitals.

The decision reflects UPMC’s goal to only go forward with procedures that doctors have determined to be medically necessary, said UPMC spokesman Paul Wood.

“These efforts will help us to protect staff and preserve protective equipment,” Wood said in a statement.

Last week, following recommendations from state and federal health authorities to scale back on elective surgeries, doctors at Pittsburgh’s largest health system said some medical procedures cannot be delayed.

Among those calling for a cancellation of elective surgeries was Dr. Debra Bogen, director of the Allegheny County Health Department, who said such steps would be crucial to ensure adequate care for patients with covid-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.

UPMC doctors said they would not diminish services and emphasized that elective surgeries refer to procedures that are scheduled in advance and may include medically important procedures such as heart valve replacement or surgeries to remove tumors.

Wood said any patients whose surgeries are affected will receive notification as soon as possible.

“UPMC is in compliance with state and federal guidelines on elective procedures, as our physicians continue to carefully consider the risks and benefits of each case in collaboration with patients,” he said.

UPMC officials have said they have adequate equipment and about 750 intensive care beds to treat a potential onslaught of patients with covid-19.

All UPMC urgent care centers and cancer care facilities will remain open, Wood said. UPMC lists more than a dozen ambulatory centers on its website.

As of Sunday, Allegheny County health authorities have reported 40 confirmed cases of coronavirus.