David Weber, MD, MPH, professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases, professor of pediatrics, and professor of epidemiology with the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, was featured in a Blue Ridge Public Radio story that recognized how Mission Health decides to test surgery patients for COVID-19. Weber says testing surgery patients for COVID-19 has become more important as physicians learn more about the disease and community spread has increased.
“If you have COVID – pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic – and you undergo surgery then you have higher risks from the surgery, complications and higher mortality,” Weber said, adding that his concern is for the patients.
He also explained that UNC Hospitals test every patient pre-surgery for COVID-19, despite the fact that the asymptomatic positive rate is below 1 percent – just like what is seen at Mission.
Listen to the interview or read the transcript here.