Advocate Aurora Health to reopen programs and services impacted by COVID-19 treatment

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Advocate Aurora Health is taking steps to bring back services that were stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As they continue to screen, test and treat for COVID-19, the health system will increase certain procedures.

This week, radiology services in Wisconsin and Illinois were resumed. Next week, elective and ambulatory procedures will start. They can’t say when full services will be available because it varies by site.

“Many are choosing to not visit their doctors’ offices, the emergency room, urgent care center primarily because they’re concerned about a potential exposure to COVID-19 and that’s why we are introducing specific measures designed to keep patients safe while they seek care for everything including non-COVID-19 issues at our facilities,” said Mary Beth Kingston, chief nursing officer.

Patients will be screened for COVID-19 before being seen for services.

Advocate estimates they have experienced about a 50-percent decrease in their usual volume of patients.

Doctors said not seeking the care you need could lead to long-term negative impacts on health.