Patient Resources
COVID-19 Updates For VPFW Patients
Update to VPFW COVID-19 policy (effective September 14, 2022)
As we enter this next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, VPFW would like all of our patients to be aware of what is changing – and what is not changing – about our medical practice’s COVID-19 policy. Updates are effective September 14, 2022.
- VPFW no longer requires masks when inside our offices.
- VPFW obstetrics patients may now have one adult (18 years or older) guest accompany them to any OB appointment.
- For all other appointments, we are still enforcing our “No Guests” policy, with a few exceptions:
- Patients who are minors (18 years old or younger) may bring one adult guest to any visit
- New moms may bring their infant to postpartum visits. Infants must be in a carrier.
*Important Notice about Scheduling Mammograms around COVID-19 vaccination*
*URGENT MESSAGE FOR VPFW PATIENTS*
The CDC, ACOG, and All VPFW Providers Strongly Recommend That All Patients Receive COVID-19 Vaccine ASAP, Especially Pregnant Patients
New data analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and American College of Obstetricians underscores the safety and urgency of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant patients as the Delta variant surges.
- Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe, potentially life-threatening illness for both themselves and their babies due to COVID-19
- Pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of preterm birth and might be at increased risk of other adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Vaccines are safe and effective both before conception and during pregnancy
- Vaccination during pregnancy or before conception does not increase risk of miscarriage or infertility
- Vaccination is recommended for breastfeeding patients. Antibodies can be passed through breast milk to help protect your baby.
Learn more in Dr. Mark Hyde’s blog post, “New Data Analysis Underscores Recommendation That All Patients, Especially Pregnant Patients, Receive COVID-19 Vaccine ASAP.”
A note about the COVID-19 vaccine (updated March 25, 2021 to include a study on pregnant and lactating women)
Our VPFW physicians have been vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine through Bon Secours and HCA. They recommend that patients, including pregnant and breastfeeding patients, receive the vaccine when they are eligible, as long as they do not have specific situations which would make vaccination contraindicated.
According to the CDC, based on current knowledge, experts believe that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines) are unlikely to pose a risk to the pregnant person, the fetus, or breastfeeding infant.
*UPDATE AS OF MARCH 25, 2021: The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are just as effective in pregnant and lactating women as women who are not pregnant, according to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Vaccine-induced antibody levels were “strikingly higher” than those resulting from coronavirus infection during pregnancy. The study also showed that women passed protective antibodies to their newborns via the placenta and breastmilk.
For pregnant women who choose to receive the vaccine, acetaminophen may be offered as an option if they experience a fever or other post-vaccination symptoms.
While VPFW recommends vaccination, the choice is up to each patient. This is a decision tool to help you make an informed decision on whether to get vaccinated. Here are the Spanish and Russian versions of the decision tool.
Information about distribution of the COVID-19 vaccination is changing frequently. Check the Virginia Department of Health website for updates on when specific groups are eligible for vaccination and how they will be able to receive the vaccine. The Frequently Asked Questions page contains helpful information. (Scroll down to the “Vaccination: Vaccine Distribution” section.)
We’re here when you’re ready.
With careful consideration for our patients’ safety and medical needs and following guidance from the CDC and the state of Virginia, VPFW’s offices are open for all appointment types, including annual exams and mammograms. The Surgery Center at VPFW, our ambulatory surgery suite, is also open for outpatient surgeries including elective surgeries. If you are ready to be examined, screened and/or treated, we’re here to provide you with the care you need.
Is virtual telehealth still an option?
Yes, depending on your medical needs, a virtual telehealth visit is still a great option to receive care without leaving home – especially if you are 65 or older or if you have other health conditions that put you at higher risk during the pandemic. Just call us at 804-897-2100 and our phone nurses can determine if a telehealth visit is an option for you based on your medical needs.
New Patients
If you are not a current patient of VPFW, you will need to fill out our new patient information form before we can conduct a virtual telehealth visit with you.
What should I do about my appointment if I have had possible exposure to COVID-19 or am feeling symptomatic?
If you have an upcoming appointment and have had possible exposure to COVID-19 or are feeling symptomatic, please call our office at 804-897-2100. Select Option 2 to speak with a phone nurse. We may be able to reschedule your visit or schedule a virtual telehealth appointment so that you can remain isolated at home.
Safety and Individual Care in The Surgery Center at VPFW
The Surgery Center at VPFW is open for outpatient surgeries, including elective surgeries, so that you can receive the care you need. Our ambulatory surgery suite is located inside our Koger Center office and offers affordable outpatient procedures in an environment that is safe and socially distant.
The Surgery Center at VPFW offers the following benefits:
- A small controlled environment which greatly reduces the risk of exposure
- High standards of care as set forth by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc.
- Full personal protective equipment (PPE) for surgeons and staff
- One-on-one attention and care from experienced VPFW operating room nurses who regularly work with our providers during surgeries
- Staggered appointments with no more than two patients in the surgery suite or waiting area at a time
- Comfortable, private areas for individualized pre- and post-operative care
- Significantly lower cost than surgeries done at hospitals, which is especially relevant to those with high-deductible insurance plans
Questions? Our phone nurses can help!
We know you will have questions about your care during these trying times. Unique to VPFW, we provide our patients direct access to a designated group of experienced nurses that can answer questions and provide guidance regarding your care. Please call us at 804-897-2100 and select 2 to speak with a phone nurse. They are happy to talk with you about your concerns and answer any questions you have.
We’ve always been here when you need us. Now we’re here when you’re ready. Call 804-897-2100 or set an appointment online.
Preventing the spread of illness
Here is how you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 so as not to overwhelm our healthcare system with more cases than they can handle at one time:
- Stay at home if possible.
- Practice social distancing. Keep 6 feet between you and other people.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when hand washing is not possible.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper sleeve if a tissue is not available.
- Work from home.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick, especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick.
- Stay at home if you are sick.
- Wear a face mask in public.
- Do not bring guests to your appointments.
- Do not come to your appointment if you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, and/or if you feel you may have been exposed. Call your primary care doctor.
- Call us with any questions! 804-897-2100.
COVID-19 FAQ’s for pregnant women
While more evidence is needed, experts say pregnant women are not at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 than others in their age group. However, it has been shown that pregnant patients who do contract COVID-19 are 5 times more likely to be hospitalized. There is no evidence that the virus can pass from pregnant mothers to their fetuses. We will continue to monitor these studies.
Please see our COVID-19 FAQ’s for pregnant women for important information regarding pregnancy and COVID-19, including precautions, risk factors and implications for appointments, labor, and delivery.
COVID-19 resources
We understand your concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Rest assured that we are closely monitoring the guidelines of the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health. See the resources below to stay up-to-date.
Vaccine Information for Pregnant Women >
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 >
Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 updates>
COVID-19 FAQ’s for pregnant women
10 Things every pregnant woman should know about the coronavirus disease >