As the COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the world, California and the United States took steps to limit the transmission and impact of the virus by implementing stay at home orders. While this has so far prevented any surges overwhelming our hospitals, it has also meant that many other parts of the health care system have been idled to preserve resources and capacity in the system and limit opportunity for transmission or exposure of the virus.

The California Medical Association (CMA) has developed a set of best practices for physicians to consider as they more to safely and cautiously reopen their medical practices for office visits. The document includes steps to take prior to reopening, financial and staffing considerations, and universal safety precautions.

The document—Best Practices for Reopening a Medical Practice—is made available free to all interested parties as part of CMA’s ongoing support for physicians during the COVID-19 public health emergency. CMA previously published Guidelines and Recommendations for Reopening the Health Care System, a more global look at restarting health care.

For more information about reopening a medical practice, physicians can see CMA's on-demand webinar, Reopening a Medical Practice During COVID-19.

The California Department of Public Health also on Monday released guidance on Resuming California’s Deferred and Preventive Health Care.