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 through 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 an appropriate mask while on Asheville Women’s campus.   

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

3.  We will be screening all patients entering the office with temperature checks and asking about any symptoms or exposures concerning for COVID-19 infection or pending testing results.

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

Current COVID Vaccination information for Pregnant and Breastfeeding women

COVID-19 vaccine development and regulatory approval are rapidly progressing. Thus, information and recommendations will evolve as more data are collected about these vaccines and their use in specific populations. 

Though the testing and safety evaluation of these vaccines did not include young children or pregnant patients, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) recommends that vaccines “should not be withheld” from pregnant and lactating individuals who meet criteria for vaccination based on ACIP-recommended priority groups. 

At the current time, the benefits of receiving the vaccine are felt to outweigh the potential risks in the setting of limited safety data in the pregnant population.  However, it is important that every patient makes an informed decision, in consult with their physician if they choose. 

It remains important, regardless of vaccination status, to continue the “3 W’s” of COVID prevention, including washing hands, waiting 6ft from others, and wearing a mask. 

Current COVID Vaccination information for Breast imaging 

According to the Society of Breast Imaging, if possible and when it does not unduly delay care, consider scheduling screening exams prior to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination or 4-6 weeks following the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. 

If you are currently scheduled for screening breast imaging and need to postpone, please contact our office through the secure patient portal or by calling (828) 258-9191 as soon as possible. 

For more information, please refer to:

https://www.sbi-online.org/Portals/0/Position%20Statements/2021/SBI-recommendations-for-managing-axillary-adenopathy-post-COVID-vaccination.pdf

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.