Notice to Our Patients on the Coronavirus Outbreak

Asheville Women’s is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) as well national, state, and county recommendations. As we transition into the phased re-opening of our community we will continue to act in the best interests of our patients, balancing community and personal safety.

Obtaining health care, as appropriate, from Asheville Women’s Medical Center is considered essential, though to meet the social isolation standards of our community and minimize exposure to our patients, physicians, and staff, we are taking the following steps:

1.  Asheville Women’s Medical Center now requires that all patients wear a mask while on Asheville Women’s campus.  See below for more detail.

2.  We will continue to see pregnant patients in the office on a modified prenatal schedule.

3.  We will continue to see acute gynecologic problems in the office as appropriate.

4.  We will be begin to see appropriate patients in the office for routine annual exams and screening imaging studies, such as mammography. 

5.  We are offering Telehealth appointments with all Physicians and Nurse Practitioners.

6.  We will be screening all patients entering the office regarding recent travel as well as physical symptoms concerning for COVID-19 exposure or infection.

7.  We are currently no longer allowing companions or children to accompany patients into the office. 

8.  We kindly ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.

Asheville Women’s Medical Center is pleased to announce Telehealth appointments that are available for existing patients!  Patients need access to a smartphone, tablet or computer to have a virtual one on one encounter with a provider.  Same day appointments are available when necessary.  If a face to face encounter is needed, we are also available in the office for all urgent matters.

Masking Information:

We support the CDC’s recommendations for greater adoption of mask usage by the general public and especially in areas where 6 feet of separation is not practical. 

 Patients are asked to bring their own procedural/surgical mask or a homemade cloth mask. 

The mask should be worn for their entire visit to our office and not be removed until leaving the facility.  We will insist on proper mask use and hygiene including wearing the mask as directed to cover the mouth and nose and encourage avoidance of manipulation/touching the mask to reduce the risk of contamination and self-inoculation.

Our policy of no companions and no children is still in place.  Screening of patients and staff prior to entering our building will continue.

CDC has issued guidelines for sewing/creating a mask that can be worn as a face covering.

Cloth masks should:

1.  Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.

2.  Be secured with ties or ear loops.

3.  Include 2 or more layers of fabric.

4.  Allow for breathing without restriction.

5.  Be made of a fabric or material that can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.

How does someone safely clean a cloth mask? 

A cloth mask can be washed in a washing machine with any detergent.  After placing the mask in the washing machine, hand should be washed.  Dry masks on high heat.

For more information on face coverings and masks, please click the link below for CDC guidelines:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html