For Our Patients: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Policies and Updates

Aug 25

UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

Masks continue to be optional for patients and visitors. If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness or have tested positive for COVID, please reach out to us prior to your appointment so we can make a plan for the safest way to care for you. We also ask that you only bring family members who are well and have no symptoms of illness. Thank you.

UPDATE - DECEMBER 12, 2022

Masks are optional for visitors. Our visitor policy allows for one adult visitor and children to accompany a patient to their appointment. Please only bring family members who are well and have no symptoms of illness.

We continue to ask that you reach out to us if you have any signs or symptoms of illness so that we can make a plan for the safest way to care for you.

Thank you for continuing to work with us as we respond to the changing nature of this pandemic.

UPDATE - APRIL 20, 2022

For the safety of everyone, please continue to mask in our office. We also ask that all visitors be masked. Our visitor policy allows for one adult visitor and children to accompany a patient to their appointment. Please only bring family members who are well and have no symptoms of illness.

We continue to ask that you reach out to us if you have any signs or symptoms of illness so that we can make a plan for the safest way to care for you.

Thank you for continuing to work with us as we respond to the changing nature of this pandemic.

UPDATE - AUGUST 25, 2021

CHANGE IN VISITOR POLICIES

Due to the increasing incidence of COVID in our area, we are regrettably going back to our restricted visitor policy.

Effective today, no visitors are permitted except for:

1 adult visitor for OB ultrasounds and follow-up appointments only
1 adult visitor for labor checks

No visitors are allowed for gynecology appointments. No children are allowed for any appointments.

For labor and delivery, we follow Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital’s policies.

We are sorry to have to implement these policies, but the health of our patients, staff and community is our first priority. We hope to have your understanding and patience.

UPDATE - JUNE 14, 2021

CHANGE IN COVID-19 TESTING POLICY FOR MARTHA JEFFERSON HOSPITAL

Martha Jefferson Hospital is no longer requiring COVID-19 testing for pregnant patients who have been fully vaccinated.

Current patients who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should bring their cards to their next appointment with our practice. This will allow our team to update patient charts with this information and provide it to Martha Jefferson Hospital prior to any hospital stay for delivery.

UPDATE - MAY 11, 2021

EXPANSION OF VISITOR POLICY

Due to the lowering infection rates in our area, we are expanding our visitor policy again. One adult visitor is now allowed for every appointment.

UPDATE - FEB. 2, 2021

ONE SUPPORT PERSON ALLOWED FOR OBSTETRICAL ULTRASOUNDS

Local new infection rates have been trending down, so we’re once again welcoming one (adult) support person during obstetrical ultrasounds. In order to minimize the risk, we are still not allowing children.

We strive to care for families in the safest manor possible. We recognize how important it is to our patients and their partners to be present for those first views of their baby. As long as we see the local infection rates decreasing, we are happy to have the support person present.

All support persons will need to be masked and have no symptoms of illness or exposure to COVID.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time.

UPDATE - JAN. 15, 2021

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

Any vaccine is an evaluation of risk vs. benefit. No vaccine has zero risk. COVID is a serious virus, and we know there are multiple risks associated with contracting COVID. Patients must individually weigh their risk of contracting COVID against the risk of being vaccinated. Our below recommendations are based on the currently available studies and the recommendations of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Should pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine? Yes. We recommend that pregnant women receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Should women who are breastfeeding receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Yes. There is no data at this time that shows that breastfeeding women should not be vaccinated.

Should women who are trying to conceive get vaccinated? Yes. There is no data that the COVID vaccine causes infertility.

Should women who are planning a future pregnancy receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Yes. There is no data that the COVID vaccine causes issues for future pregnancies.

How can I stay safe while pregnant? It is important to continue to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines and avoid high-risk situations.

What happens after I get vaccinated? Because the COVID-19 vaccinations do not prevent infection, but rather prevent people from having severe reactions and illness, we must all continue to wear masks, social distance, wash our hands properly and regularly, and follow other safety protocols while the vaccines are being more widely distributed.

UPDATE - DEC. 21, 2020

NEW VISITOR POLICY

Due to the rise of COVID 19 cases in our area, we feel it necessary to again restrict visitors in our office. Please – NO Visitors or partners for any visits. This includes ultrasound appointments. We know this is disappointing news, and ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate the pandemic together.

Laboring women can still have their partner present at the Hospital.

We will re-evaluate this policy daily and hope to welcome families again to our office soon!

UPDATE - SEPT. 2, 2020

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID-19 TESTING, LABOR & DELIVERY

Will I be tested for COVID-19 before delivery? We are recommending that all pregnant women be screened for COVID approximately a week before they deliver. These screenings are taking place at Sentara's 5th Street Station location (near Wegman’s). At your 39-week visit (or 48-72 hours prior to induction or c-section), we will order a COVID screen for you. Once we place the order, you will call Sentara's 5th Street Station location to schedule your screening. During your appointment, you will drive up in your car and the staff will come out gowned and masked and perform a nasal swab.

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 before delivery? The hospital will take extra steps to keep its staff safe; nurses and physicians will wear appropriate personal protective equipment and other standard staff room visits will be limited (visits from dietary staff, secretaries, etc.). We recommend that the newborn stays with the COVID positive mom and that they’re isolated together from the rest of the floor during their stay at the hospital. In addition, we recommend that the new mom wear gloves and a mask while nursing or touching her newborn to decrease the risk of transmission from the mom to the baby. The baby will be tested at 24 and 48 hours for COVID.

Are there any changes in postpartum stay policies? There are no changes in postpartum stay times at the hospital. New moms will be able to stay the full length of time. The normal stay periods are two nights for vaginal deliveries and three nights for c-sections. If patients want to leave early and the mom and baby are both safe, stable and ready for discharge, the hospital will accommodate an early discharge.

Do you allow nitrous oxide use during labor? At this time, nitrous oxide is not available because it increases the risk of aerosolization of the virus. Our IV pain medication options, epidurals, birthing balls and tubs are all still available.

Can my partner or spouse be with me during labor? Yes, we will continue to allow that one person to be with you during labor. We do not anticipate patients having to labor alone at any point in the future.

We believe Martha Jefferson is an excellent and safe place to have your baby. And, we look forward to being with you during this process.

LEARN MORE

Drs. Huffstetler and Kilfoil address commonly asked questions about labor and delivery during COVID-19. Click on the images to view their Instagram videos.

UPDATE - MAY 15, 2020

NEW ULTRASOUND VISITOR POLICY

We are modifying our visitor policy to allow one adult support person for ultrasounds and subsequent physician discussion. This decision was based on the steady decline of cases in Virginia. We will be letting patients know that if the trend alters, we will have to re-evaluate.

Partners will be screened at the door for illness and given a face covering if they do not have one. Any person presenting illness symptoms or without a mask will not be permitted for any reason. Children also will not be allowed at this time.

UPDATE - APRIL 30, 2020

EXPANDED TESTING TO HELP KEEP OUR PATIENTS, HOSPITAL AND STAFF SAFE

Dear Patients,

We are so pleased to announce that Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital is now offering testing for all patients prior to admission.

At your 39-week visit (or 48-72 hours prior to induction or c-section), we will order a COVID screen for you. Once we place the order, you will call Sentara's 5th Street Station location (near Wegman’s - information below) to schedule your screening, which will take place from the comfort and safety of your car. It's fast, safe and simple!

We are so pleased to offer this expanded testing. Your doctors and your hospital will continue to work hard to give you the safest possible place to have your baby.

If you have any questions, please contact our office. Thank you for trusting us with your care.

SENTARA 5TH STREET STATION LOCATION
435 Merchant Walk Square, Suite 400
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-654-1800

UPDATE - APRIL 8, 2020

Dear Patients,

You amaze us! Thank you for your patience and courage as we navigate this together!

Due to the community spread of COVID 19 in our area, we feel it necessary to further restrict visitors in our office.

Please – NO Visitors or partners for any visits. This includes ultrasound appointments.

In normal times, we LOVE partner involvement in prenatal care. Consistent with the CDC recommendations to protect our patients and staff, we are limiting visitors to reduce potential exposure.

Laboring women can still have their partner present at the Hospital.

If you have a mask, please wear it to your appointments.

Make sure you call ahead if you are having any symptoms of illness or exposure to a person testing positive COVID.

All patients should be “sheltering in home” as per state guidelines. Prenatal patients in the third trimester should be sure to avoid unnecessary contact with ANYONE that is not living in your home.

Thank you for trusting us with your care,

Jefferson Ob/Gyn

UPDATE - MARCH 25, 2020

As of today, the providers at Jefferson Ob/Gyn are recommending that all pregnant women who have reached the 37th week of their pregnancy “shelter at home” for the duration of their pregnancy. Our primary reason for this recommendation is to minimize the number of women who may deliver their baby while testing positive for the coronavirus.

If you are 37 weeks pregnant or more and need a note to stop working, we can provide that at your next prenatal visit or call us and we will make one available for you.

At this time, there are no clear recommendations for women less than 37 weeks pregnant to stop working. Each situation is unique, so please discuss your circumstances with your doctor.

MARCH 17, 2020

Dear Patients,

All of us are feeling the impact of the novel Covid-19 pandemic, and we at Jefferson Obstetrics and Gynecology are monitoring the situation continuously as we make plans to protect the health of our patients, our employees and our providers. We are experiencing the same disruptions in our routines as all of the other members of our community, and as we all make the necessary adjustments to fight this pandemic, you can trust that all of the providers and staff at Jefferson Obstetrics and Gynecology are committed to your health.

In order to protect our patients and employees, we are implementing changes in our office policies and procedures and want to make you aware of these changes. The situation is changing daily, and there is no doubt that we will adapt to those new situations with additional changes. We appreciate your patience as we make adjustments to our normal routines, and we ask for your understanding as we do the best we can to protect your health and the health of our staff and providers. Updates to our procedures will be posted on the blog and on social media as timely as possible. In addition, those patients registered on our Follow My Health patient portal will receive bulletins as warranted.

PATIENT VISITS

Effective immediately, we are limiting the visitors that can come with a patient to their appointment:

No children will be allowed to accompany any patients to their appointments. If you have a NON-URGENT appointment and do not have childcare, we will have to reschedule your appointment. If your appointment is urgent and you do not have childcare, please call us before you come to the office.
You may have a caregiver accompany you to your appointment if that caregiver is essential to your ability to come to your appointment. No additional visitors will be allowed.
Our pregnant patients may bring one support person to their appointment.

ROUTINE ANNUAL EXAMS AND MAMMOGRAMS

Per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control we are cancelling all routine annual exam and mammogram appointments for two weeks. We will readdress this cancellation policy on a weekly basis and send out cancellation notices to those patients who have appointments. We are not currently rescheduling these appointments, but in the near future we will contact all patients who have had an appointment cancelled. We will be offering additional provider office days and will do everything we can to offer workable options for everyone.

PROBLEM VISITS

We are fully committed to seeing all patients for problem visits. If you have a problem that needs medical attention, you will be scheduled to see one of our providers. If you are currently experiencing a gynecological or obstetric emergency and have symptoms of or are at risk of having a Covid-19 infection, you will need to contact us prior to your appointment so that we can make appropriate arrangements for you to be seen. If any of the following apply to you, please call our office before your scheduled appointment:

Persistent, dry cough
Shortness of breath
Fever
Direct exposure to someone known to be infected with the Covid-19 virus

We know that these are very extraordinary and difficult times. We are committed to being here for our patients. All of our staff and providers are working diligently to be sure we can continue to provide our highest level of medical care to our patients. We value the trust you have shown in us to provide you with your medical care, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding as we all adapt to this evolving situation.

With wishes for good health,

The Physicians of Jefferson Ob/Gyn

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