During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucially important patients stay well and manage chronic conditions as well as any new onset of medical concerns or symptoms. Pella Regional Health Center physicians are available to see patients. Pella Regional has taken many measures to assure patients can present to the hospital and clinics with low risk of exposure to COVID-19.

All patients and staff are screened before entering the building. Patients with infectious symptoms are directed to the Patient Assessment Center, which is located in a separate building away from the hospital and Pella Medical Clinic. Staff members with direct patient care interaction are behind a Plexiglas shield or wearing the recommended personal protective equipment.

Dr. Craig Wittenberg with Pella Regional says they have recently implemented a service in the Pella Medical Clinic to allow patients to have lab draws obtained in the clinic rather than entering the hospital. Patients are registered and checked in remotely and then called in directly to the clinic lab area to limit interaction with other patients.

Physicians are reviewing their schedules weekly to determine the most appropriate way to meet the medical needs of their patients through virtual visits, face-to-face visits or by rescheduling for a later date. Decisions are based on what is best for the patient and their specific medical issues while maintaining compliance with social distancing and conservation of personal protective equipment as directed by Governor Reynolds.

Physicians at Pella Regional Health Center consider the following conditions are medically essential:
-Prenatal visits
-Well child visits and immunizations, especially 18 months and younger
-Chronic care visits for certain diagnosis (Diabetes, COPD, congestive heart failure, or hypertension for example)
-Cancer screenings such as mammography and lung cancer screening
-Acute illness or injury

If a patient is currently scheduled for a visit with a primary care provider and has not been called to reschedule, Pella Regional tells those individuals they have taken great care to minimize potential exposure and staff remains available for ongoing health care needs.