Are you wanting or needing a visit, but don’t want to come in to the office? Per the State of Alaska’s mandate from 4/15/20, health care offices are still supposed to be avoiding face-to-face visits for things that can be done remotely, via telehealth. Obviously, in the case of maternity care, there is a lot that needs to be done in person, but there is also a lot that can be done via telemedicine! Our office is fully operational for telemedicine, and many insurance plans are covering it with no cost shares, in an effort to encourage members to get the care they need, while taking the lowest risk possible of contracting COVID-19.

Here are some things we can do for you via telemedicine, from the comfort of your own home – you don’t even have to change out of pajamas! We won’t judge.

1. Pelvic physical therapy

Melissa Sundberg, PT, DPT, COMT, OCS, is currently offering telemedicine visits for common pelvic floor complaints. She can diagnose and recommend treatment exercises for a variety of issues via video chat. This is an excellent way to get started in her care, and if you do need hands-on care, as determined in your first telemedicine visit, she is offering a limited number of visits in the office for the time being. Melissa can see clients for a wide variety of issues that involve the pelvic floor.

1. Family planning and contraception counseling

Pre-conception counseling, family planning, or discussion of birth control methods can easily take place over video chat. Our office is continuing to insert and remove IUD’s and Nexplanons at the moment, but if you weren’t sure what you wanted, or wanted a birth control pill, or advice on natural family planning, a telemedicine visit would work very well!

1. Some GYN complaints

While some GYN issues absolutely have to be investigated in person, via a physical exam, there are some that can be explored via telemedicine. Abnormal menstrual bleeding and menopausal symptoms are two examples. Best to call the office and have them ask a provider which approach is best in order to schedule.

1. Some postpartum issues

Our International Board-certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are both providing telemedicine visits, but also in-person, depending on what the issue is. Many lactation problems are able to be resolved over a video chat. Our midwives can also see clients for postpartum mood disorders, such as postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety, via telemedicine. Our providers are happy to see clients who did not have their babies with our practice as well, for lactation, family planning, or any postpartum complications.

If you are interested in a telemedicine OR in-person visit, please don’t hesitate to call the office to see which kind of visit might be most appropriate for you. You don’t have to wait and suffer through symptoms during this time period! We are observing very strict safety protocols in the office, and masks are mandatory for both providers and clients. If you don’t have a mask when you arrive for your visit we will provide you with one.

The office can be reached at 907-561-2626, or via email: info@genevawoodsbirthcenter.com. Find us on the web at www.genevawoodsbirthcenter.com and www.nestwomenswellness.com.