Dear LJC community,
We hope this message finds you and your family safe and taking the proper precautions relating to the COVID 19 virus.
This is the second in what we anticipate will be a series of updates in this evolving situation. (read update #1 here)
You may have heard that the Surgeon General recommended that hospitals across the country “consider stopping elective surgery”. We believe they are making this recommendation to reserve hospital resources, including staff and supplies, for anticipated COVID 19 patients.
Our situation, like so many outpatient cosmetic plastic surgery practices, is different. We care only for healthy patients and recently self-imposed restrictions requiring anyone who had traveled by air domestically or internationally to self-quarantine for 14 days prior to coming to our practice.
We are reducing the number of on-site appointments and treating patients within social distancing guidelines. We will replace onsite follow-ups using virtual technology. We also plan to offer consults using telemedicine capabilities.
Today, out of concern for our patients and team, our surgeons and anesthesiologists reviewed our current protocols and reached a consensus as to recommended changes. As risk data varies by age, we are adjusting our recommendations accordingly.
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Age 49 or under: LJC will continue to provide both surgical and non-surgical services. If you are in this age category, your risk is equivalent to the flu. You should follow the CDC recommended precautions including frequent washing of your hands and avoidance of crowds. Staff and providers that fall into this category will continue to provide support and services.
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Age 50-59: For surgical patients in this category, the decision to go forward with or postpone surgery will be made individually, at the mutual discretion of the patient, surgeon, and anesthesiologist. For non-surgical services, the patient and provider can make mutual decisions based on individual goals and health history.
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Age 60+: For people 60 and above, we are postponing all surgery and non-surgical services other than telemedicine. If you are in this age group, which is classified as “older” by the CDC, we urge you to follow the CDC recommendations including staying at home as much as possible and avoiding preventable public contact. LJC staff and providers will maintain contact using various forms of technology.
Our slogan at LJC is The Smart, Safe Place to Get Glam®.
In the best of times, we’re very proud that LJC has been a trusted resource for the San Diego community as evidenced by thousands of 5-star ratings and 18x Best of San Diego awards.
In challenging times like these, we want you to assure you that being smart about what we do and keeping you safe are bywords for us and for our patient care team.
With Gratitude and Good Wishes,
Marie
CEO
