COVID-19: Current Updates

Last updated Dec. 2, 2021:  Learn how UCSF is making surgery safe during COVID-19. Learn more.

Under San Francisco's current health order, all medical services, including routine and preventive care, are considered essential. Please contact us to make a telehealth visit  or an in-person visit. For in-person appointments, all clinical staff – doctors, physician assistants, clinical personnel -- will be wearing both face masks as well as eye shields or face shields for our patients' safety.

Message from our Chair

Thomas P. Vail, MD

Dear UCSF Health Orthopaedic Patients and Families,

We are still here for you. 

We know your life, and the lives of your loved ones, have been greatly affected by COVID-19 over the last year and a half.

For UCSF Orthopaedic Surgery, we will continue to offer appointments and elective procedures during this time.

• Clinics are open for both adult and pediatric patients.  However, we are encouraging telehealth rather than in-person visits whenever possible. Appointments are available in San Francisco, East Bay, and specialty clinics in Marin and San Mateo.
• Surgery is still open, and being performed safely.
• We are tracking COVID admissions to the hospital carefully each day.
• We have a robust health screening processes in place in our hospitals and ambulatory clinics.  All patients are tested for the presence of COVID-19 before surgery; staff, patients and visitors are also screened daily to ensure that they are free of symptoms.

Things could change if hospital resources get stressed! We will keep our patients notified if an appointment or procedure gets postponed. And to keep our community updated on any changes, we will continue to use this platform to keep you informed.

Please contact us (415-353-2808) at any time if you have questions or concerns.

Best regards,



Thomas Parker Vail, MD



James L. Young Professor and Chair, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery