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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


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:
  • Routine tests, such as echocardiograms
  • Procedures for patients who have mild symptoms or who are managing their disease well
Must be done at once or within a short time to reduce risk of more serious, worse outcome

Examples include:
  • Heart attack
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Stroke
  • Worsening shortness of breath

  • Last Edited 05/28/2020