The Palm Beach Post speaks to New York-based medical providers who expanded to Florida in recent years to share their unique perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic, including HSS president and CEO, Louis A. Shapiro.

When HSS Florida opened in February, more than 1,000 appointments were booked, but in just six weeks after opening, elective surgeries were suspended once the pandemic hit. “The timing was not ideal, starting something as important as this in a new market,” said Mr. Shapiro.

Limits on elective surgery in Florida were recently eased, and HSS officials are eager to tell patients that elective surgeries are resumed. “We are inviting patients to come back to us on their terms,” cited Mr. Shapiro. “In Florida, that means virtually or by coming to our location.” Prior to the crisis, HSS had planned “virtual health” technology for patients, however the program was expedited with the pandemic. “Even rehab is being conducted online,” said Mr. Shapiro.

HSS anticipates to welcome more patients who may move to Florida from the Northeast, and Mr. Shapiro emphasized that HSS saw growth from existing and potential patients in Florida years prior to the pandemic. In 2019, some 3,000 Florida residents traveled for care to HSS in New York. “We want to deliver care closer to where people live and work,” cited Mr. Shapiro, “and not just in Westchester County, New York. It means Florida.”

Read the full article at Palmbeachpost.com. This article also appeared in print on June 21, 2020.