Which Tests and Procedures are Delayed?
Not all tests, procedures or surgeries are being postponed. To make this decision, your care team may consider several factors including:
- The degree of your symptoms and heart condition: How bad, or severe, are they?
- Whether the test or procedure needs to be done right away: A procedure unlikely to affect your care or situation over the next several months is not considered urgent
- Whether the test or procedure requires the use of personal protective equipment or additional testing
“Any decisions about the timing and urgency of cardiac tests and procedures should be made by you and your care team.”
— Ty Gluckman, MD, FACC, medical director, Providence Heart Institute, Portland, Oregon
— Ty Gluckman, MD, FACC, medical director, Providence Heart Institute, Portland, Oregon
What is the difference between tests and procedures that can be delayed vs. those that need to be done right away?
| Can be delayed Non-urgent or elective | Needs to be done right away Urgent, essential, or emergency care |
| A delay is unlikely to affect your care or result in harm over the next several months Examples include:
| Must be done at once or within a short time to reduce risk of more serious, worse outcome Examples include:
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- Last Edited 05/28/2020