Don't let the term 'elective' fool you, physicians urge the public (12 August 2021)

Summary

As a growing number of hospitals pressed for resources due to the COVID-19 surge suspend elective surgeries, some healthcare professionals want the public to know exactly how important an "elective" procedure can be. 

The term "elective surgery" does not describe the acuity of the medical condition or necessity of the procedure. Rather, the use of "elective" distinguishes these surgeries that are scheduled in advance from emergency surgeries, such as trauma cases. 

As Americans learn of elective surgeries once again being postponed, physicians are taking to the web to debunk what can be a misnomer.