Ethan Rhodes
Florida hospitals have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes, which have influenced the availability of elective surgeries. During the pandemic, Governor DeSantis issued an executive order in March 2020, prohibiting elective surgeries to focus on emergency procedures. This resulted in financial losses for hospitals. As Florida began its recovery, hospitals resumed elective surgeries in May 2020, implementing safety measures to address COVID-19 concerns. However, in 2024, hospitals and healthcare centers in Florida announced temporary closures and evacuations ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall, again affecting elective procedures. The impact of these events on the availability of elective surgeries in Florida hospitals is complex and subject to the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters and public health emergencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prohibition on elective surgeries | Ended on May 4, 2020 |
| Reason for prohibition | COVID-19 outbreak |
| Hospitals resuming elective surgeries | Memorial Healthcare System |
| Hospitals pausing elective surgeries | BayCare Health System, HCA Healthcare |
| Hospitals evacuating/closing due to Hurricane Milton | Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, University of Florida Health hospitals, outpatient clinical facilities and physician practices |
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What You'll Learn
Florida hospitals lose revenue due to cancellations
Florida hospitals have lost significant revenue due to cancellations of elective surgeries. Elective surgeries, including some of the most lucrative procedures for hospitals, were prohibited by Governor DeSantis through Executive Order 20-72 on March 20, 2020, to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. This resulted in hospitals statewide losing an estimated $400 to $500 million in revenue as they set aside beds for COVID-19 cases that did not materialize, with each COVID-19 patient costing hospitals $6,000 to $8,000.
The prohibition on elective surgeries was lifted on May 4, 2020, as part of Phase 1 of the "Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery." However, hospitals in Florida continue to face challenges and temporary closures due to natural disasters like Hurricane Milton, which caused dozens of healthcare facilities to suspend services and evacuate.
Some hospitals in Florida, such as Tampa General Health, did not announce closures ahead of Hurricane Milton and activated their emergency response plans to continue operations. Florida AdventHealth also kept its hospitals and emergency rooms open but warned of possible operational changes for the safety of patients and staff.
To mitigate revenue losses, hospitals resuming elective surgeries should consider implementing additional safety measures, such as mask usage, COVID-19 testing, separate treatment areas, and increased cleanliness. They should also appropriately reconcile providing and billing for elective surgeries with funds received under the CARES Act.
Florida hospitals' efforts to resume elective surgeries while prioritizing patient safety demonstrate their commitment to providing quality care and stabilizing their financial situation. By adapting to challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, hospitals strive to ensure the accessibility and sustainability of healthcare services in the state.
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Governor DeSantis ends prohibition on elective surgeries
On May 4, 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 20-112, which ended the prohibition on elective surgeries in the state. The order was part of Phase 1 of the "Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery." The measure allowed Florida health care providers to resume providing elective surgeries, subject to certain conditions.
The resumption of elective surgeries was a significant development for Florida hospitals, which had lost an estimated $400 to $500 million in revenue due to the cancellation of elective surgeries. Elective surgeries are a lucrative source of income for hospitals, and the ban on these procedures had led to financial strain for many healthcare providers.
Governor DeSantis's original order prohibiting elective surgeries, Executive Order 20-72, was implemented on March 20, 2020, in response to the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The order prohibited hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, dental and orthodontic offices, and other healthcare practitioners in Florida from providing any medically unnecessary, non-urgent, or non-emergency procedures. The goal was to conserve medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), and to prioritize resources for COVID-19 patients.
As Florida began to recover from the initial wave of the pandemic, the focus shifted towards economic recovery and ensuring the financial viability of healthcare providers. Governor DeSantis recognized the importance of resuming elective surgeries to achieve this goal. However, as Florida hospitals resumed elective surgeries, they were advised to continue observing additional safety measures and precautions. These included the use of masks and PPE, COVID-19 testing, separate treatment areas, increased cleanliness, and social distancing where feasible.
The resumption of elective surgeries in Florida was a carefully considered decision, balancing the need for economic recovery with the ongoing public health concerns posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare providers were encouraged to reconcile providing and billing for elective surgeries with the funds received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). This reconciliation ensured that healthcare providers could resume elective surgeries while remaining financially supported during the pandemic.
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Hospitals implement safety measures for elective surgeries
On May 4, 2020, Executive Order 20-112, went into effect, ending the prohibition on elective surgeries in Florida as part of Phase 1 of the "Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery." However, the resumption of elective surgeries is contingent on certain conditions and safety measures being met.
Hospitals in Florida have implemented, or are considering, various safety measures and precautions to ensure the safe resumption of elective surgeries. These measures include:
- The use of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare staff.
- COVID-19 testing for patients and staff.
- Separate treatment areas for patients undergoing elective surgery to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 patients.
- Increased cleanliness and janitorial services to maintain a sterile environment.
- Promoting personal hygiene and social distancing guidelines among patients and staff.
In addition to these measures, hospitals are also facing financial considerations due to the cancellation of elective surgeries, which often include lucrative procedures. To reconcile the financial impact, hospitals may need to consider the funds received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
While hospitals work to resume elective surgeries, it is important to note that the situation remains dynamic. For example, in October 2024, several Florida hospitals and healthcare centers announced temporary closures and the cancellation of elective procedures ahead of the anticipated landfall of Hurricane Milton. These closures highlight the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare providers in Florida as they strive to balance patient care, safety, and financial considerations amidst natural disasters and public health emergencies.
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Hospitals close ahead of Hurricane Milton
Hospitals in Florida have closed ahead of Hurricane Milton, which is set to make landfall in the state. The hurricane has already caused widespread disruption in the Caribbean Sea, consolidating in the Bay of Campeche and causing a deadly tornado outbreak and flooding in Mexico.
Milton is an extremely powerful and destructive tropical cyclone, which has become the most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded over the Gulf of Mexico. With winds of 180 mph, the hurricane is now a Category 5—the strongest on record worldwide this year. Hospitals in the state are bracing for impact, with many already having lost revenue due to the cancellation of elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Florida hospitals have been eager to resume elective surgeries, which make up a lucrative portion of their income. Governor DeSantis' order prohibiting elective surgeries expired in May 2020, but hospitals have continued to experience disruptions due to the pandemic. Now, with Hurricane Milton approaching, hospitals are once again forced to pause these procedures and prepare for the incoming storm.
Many coastal residents have been ordered to evacuate, and hospitals are working to identify patients whose procedures can be postponed. The state is expecting extensive flooding, especially along the St. Johns River, and hospitals are at risk of incurring significant financial losses. The hurricane is expected to weaken as it moves across the state, but the extent of the damage it will cause remains uncertain.
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Hospitals resume elective surgeries during COVID-19
On May 4, 2020, Florida hospitals resumed elective surgeries as part of Phase 1 of the "Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery." Governor DeSantis's Executive Order 20-112 ended the prohibition on hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and other healthcare practitioners' offices providing elective surgery. The resumption of elective surgeries was a significant development, as these procedures include some of the more lucrative operations for hospitals, and many healthcare providers experienced a notable decline in revenue during the suspension.
However, hospitals and healthcare providers resuming elective surgeries must continue to observe additional safety measures and precautions. These include the use of masks and other personal protective equipment, COVID-19 testing, separate treatment areas, increased cleanliness, and social distancing where feasible. These measures are essential to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers alike.
Some hospitals in Florida have also had to pause elective procedures temporarily due to surging COVID-19 case numbers or, more recently, in preparation for Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on October 8, 2024. For example, BayCare Health System and HCA Healthcare paused elective procedures at several hospitals in July 2022 due to COVID-19, and several hospitals and healthcare centers, including Tampa General Health, announced closures ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Overall, while Florida hospitals have resumed elective surgeries, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters like hurricanes continue to impact the availability of these procedures. Hospitals must remain adaptable and prioritize the safety of their patients and staff.
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Frequently asked questions
As of May 4, 2020, elective surgeries are allowed in Florida. However, some hospitals in the state have chosen to pause elective procedures due to rising COVID-19 cases or the impact of Hurricane Milton.
Hospitals in Florida have implemented safety measures such as mask-wearing, COVID-19 testing, separate treatment areas, increased cleaning, and social distancing where possible.
Elective surgeries in Florida include joint replacement, bariatric surgery, and cardiac surgery.
Yes, Tampa General Health (TGH) hospitals, medical offices, and facilities are continuing normal operations. Florida AdventHealth hospitals and emergency rooms are also open, but services may change depending on the situation.
