Category: COVID-19

The health and safety of our patients, visitors, employees, physicians, and communities remain a top priority at Birmingham OB/GYN. Therefore, in line with the latest guidelines issued by the State of Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), Jefferson County Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), St. Vincent’s Hospital, and the City of Birmingham related to COVID-19, we have revised and continue to update our policies to make sure we are in taking steps to reduce exposure and transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

For Patients and Visitors

• For our obstetrical patients, we will allow the father or support person to attend the
  confirmation and anatomy ultrasounds and be allowed in the exam room after the ultrasound.
• Children under 16 are not allowed in the office, except in special circumstances pre-approved
  by a physician or administrator.
• Patients are sent pre-visit paperwork via email or text that also includes COVID-19 screening
  questions. Any patient who is designated as a “high-risk” for transmitting COVID-19 will be
  contacted and evaluated prior to their visit.
• Patients who are sick with respiratory symptoms will not be permitted to enter the office; this is
  without exception.
• For non-obstetrical patients, guests will be allowed in extenuating circumstances, such as a
  patient under 16 or a specific patient needing extra support. For example, specific patients
  needing extra support include those with language barriers, intellectual and/or developmental
  disabilities, or other cognitive or physical impairments.

Mask Policy

• Masks are RECOMMENDED for patients and guests while in the office setting. Our providers
  recommend that you wear a mask based on your personal preference, informed by your
  personal level of risk.
• Providers and employees of Birmingham OB/Gyn are required to wear masks when in direct
  contact with patients.
• Birmingham OB/Gyn will continue to evaluate the community transmission levels in the counties
  we serve and institute mandatory mask requirements if the transmission level reaches HIGH in
  those counties.

Birmingham Obstetrics Gynecology, P.C. and COVID-19

The health and safety of our patients, visitors, employees, physicians, and our communities remain a top priority at Birmingham OB/Gyn. Therefore, in line with the latest guidelines issued by the State of Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), Jefferson County Department of Health and the City of Birmingham related to COVID-19, we have revised and continue to update our policies to make sure we are in compliance. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

For Patients and Visitors

• For our obstetrical patients, we will allow the father or support person to attend the confirmation and anatomy ultrasounds, but the father or support person will not be allowed to attend the visit with the physician after the ultrasound.
• Guests will be allowed for obstetrical patients with extenuating circumstances, such as a patient under 16 or specific patient needing extra support. For example, specific patients needing extra support include those with language barriers, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, or other cognitive or physical impairments.
• Children are not allowed in the office, except in special circumstances pre-approved by a physician or administrator.
• Patients are sent pre-visit paperwork via email or text that also includes COVID-19 screening questions. Any patient who is designated as a “high-risk” for transmitting COVID-19 will be contacted and their visit will be re-scheduled.
• Patients and guests must undergo temperature and symptom screening upon arrival, always perform hand hygiene and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Please be especially attentive to wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, in addition to correctly wearing other personal protective equipment as directed by office staff.
• Patients who are sick with respiratory symptoms will not be permitted to enter the office; this is without exception.
• For non-obstetrical patients, guests will be allowed in extenuating circumstances, such as a patient under 16 or specific patient needing extra support. For example, specific patients needing extra support include those with language barriers, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, or other cognitive or physical impairments.
• If a patient or guest does not pass the screening process or does not follow office protocols, they will not be allowed in the office.
• Limiting capacity in our waiting room. On the day of your appointment you will receive a text from our office asking you to respond when you arrive in the parking deck. This allows us to make sure all your required paperwork has been processed prior to you presenting in the office. A nurse will contact you when it is time for you to come in for your appointment.

What we are doing to protect you

• In addition to the above items, all patients, guests, staff, and physicians are required to wear face coverings. PPE will be used and disposed of properly in higher-risk interactions.
• We are following a strict process to sanitize our offices regularly. Each week our office is electrostatically fogged with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved chemical for killing Coronavirus.
• Hand sanitizer is available throughout the office.

New Vaccine Guidelines for Women who are Pregnant, Considering Becoming Pregnant, or Breastfeeding

• Read about the guidelines from CDC
• Read about the guidelines from ACOG 

Updated November 5, 2020. We will continue to reassess our visitor guidelines and update this document.

Because we are still learning about COVID-19 and how it spreads, the risk to pregnant women, the fetus, and infants remains inconclusive. Research is ongoing, but here is what you should know now about COVID-19, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

Continue reading “COVID-19 Pregnancy And Breastfeeding” →