Common COVID-19 Questions

Have visitor guidelines changed for hospitals and clinics?

• The Birthing Center, Pediatrics and NCU do not have restricted visiting hours
• Birthing Center – one support person (spouse or partner) and a doula/life experience coach is allowed in addition to one support person.
  • Exceptions are made in obstetrics for confirmed COVID-19 or symptomatic patients suspected of having COVID-19.
• For pediatric patients (less than 18 years of age) – two parents or legal guardians only. No other children permitted.
• For NCU – Guardians are welcome at all times and not considered visitors. No other children permitted.

-Clinic: Only when necessary, one person (legal guardian, parent of a minor, health care decision-maker, or designated support person for someone with a disability) may escort a patient to their outpatient/clinic appointment.

Can I still be seen in the clinic?

-If you have travelled, had known or suspected COVID-19 exposure, or have an undiagnosed cough, fever, or rash and need to be seen in clinic please call our clinic (952-442-2137) for guidance before coming to your appointment.

-Currently non-urgent services such as routine annual exams, weight loss consultations, bone density screenings, and infertility care are on hold. If you have questions about whether or not your visit is urgent or non-urgent, please call our clinic and a provider will determine the appropriate visit timing. We have telehealth visits to help manage some conditions and concerns while keeping you at home.

I was pursuing or I am interested in pursuing infertility care at Western OB/GYN. Am I still able to?

-At this time, infertility care is on hold. Please check our website for updates on when this service is expected to be up and running again. At this time, that date is unknown.

I had a surgery or procedure scheduled or planned.

-All non-urgent surgeries or procedures are on hold for the entire state of Minnesota and will be rescheduled to a later date.

I am pregnant. How will my prenatal care change?

-We have adjusted our prenatal visit schedule to include in person as well as telehealth visits. Your provider will be in communication with you in regards to your visit schedule based on your individual needs. We recognize that prenatal care is essential and are doing what we can to limit exposure to other people in clinic.  We will continue to be here to care for you during and after your pregnancy.

What is a Telehealth visit?

-Telehealth is a virtual healthcare visit done by either video and/or phone. Staff will contact you before a scheduled telehealth visit to provide you with the information and assistance needed to complete a telehealth appointment.

How can I get my birth control?

-We will continue refills as appropriate and offer office procedures for Nexplanon, Diaphragm fitting, IUD, and Depo-Provera. If you need a birth control consult, we are able to do this through a telehealth visit with one of our providers.

I am due for my annual exam or medication refill.

-At this time, routine annual exams have been postponed. We will be refilling medications as appropriate. If there is a problem that needs to be addressed, the provider will determine if a telehealth visit or an in-person visit is necessary.

Prenatal Classes:

-In person childbirth classes and birthing center tours have been cancelled until further notice

Where can I learn more about COVID-19?

For the latest updates on COVID-19, go to:

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Ridgeview  www.ridgeviewmedical.org