Appointments & Visitation

Learn about our COVID-19 hospital visitor policies and updates for your upcoming appointments and procedures

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We are taking thoughtful, careful steps for everyone’s safety. Learn more about our hospital visitor policies and what to expect at your next appointment with IU Health.

The COVID-19 pandemic is worsening throughout Indiana and the rest of the country. At IU Health, every hospital in the system is feeling the effects of rampant community spread and the number of COVID-19 patients has increased significantly. As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, IU Health is updating its visitor guidance to prevent spread, minimize the traffic within its buildings and keep patients, families and team members safe.

Effective Nov. 19, no visitors will be allowed in IU Health hospitals. Some exceptions may be considered and are outlined below; visitors must screen negative and will be provided a mask, which must be worn at all times.

Hospital visitor restrictions

No visitors will be permitted at IU Health hospitals. Exceptions will be considered in the following areas where a patient may receive one consistent designated visitor:

  • OB/delivery (certified doulas will be allowed to attend deliveries as a member of the care team. For a minor patient, a parent or guardian will be allowed in addition to a partner)
  • Pediatrics
  • Emergency department on a case-by-case basis
  • Outpatient surgery (for additional consent needs and discharge)
  • Inpatient surgery (for additional consent needs and discharge)
  • Patient caretaker in-person education
  • At the time of admission for a patient being directly admitted to the hospital
  • Patients older than 18 who need assistance due to disabilities

Exceptions will be considered in the following areas where a patient may receive two consistent designated visitors:

  • Neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU)
  • End of life situations

Hospital Visitor Policy

The COVID-19 pandemic is worsening throughout Indiana and the rest of the country. At IU Health, every hospital in the system is feeling the effects of rampant community spread and the number of COVID-19 patients has increased significantly. As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, IU Health is updating its visitor guidance to prevent spread, minimize the traffic within its buildings and keep patients, families and team members safe.

Effective Nov. 19, no visitors will be allowed in IU Health hospitals. Some exceptions may be considered and are outlined below; visitors must screen negative and will be provided a mask, which must be worn at all times.

Hospital visitor restrictions

No visitors will be permitted at IU Health hospitals. Exceptions will be considered in the following areas where a patient may receive one consistent designated visitor:

  • OB/delivery (certified doulas will be allowed to attend deliveries as a member of the care team. For a minor patient, a parent or guardian will be allowed in addition to a partner)
  • Pediatrics
  • Emergency department on a case-by-case basis
  • Outpatient surgery (for additional consent needs and discharge)
  • Inpatient surgery (for additional consent needs and discharge)
  • Patient caretaker in-person education
  • At the time of admission for a patient being directly admitted to the hospital
  • Patients older than 18 who need assistance due to disabilities

Exceptions will be considered in the following areas where a patient may receive two consistent designated visitors:

  • Neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU)
  • End of life situations

We are taking careful steps to protect you and our team. If we do not contact you to reschedule, please plan to arrive for your appointment at your scheduled time.

  • Patients are encouraged to come to the appointment by themselves and will be screened. If the patient does not pass the screening, the patient could be asked to reschedule their appointment.
  • One adult companion may accompany the patient (e.g. driver, caregiver) and will be screened. If the companion does not pass the screening they will be asked to leave.
  • If the companion is a parent or guardian of a minor child and does not pass the screening, another adult can be screened, or the appointment will be rescheduled.

Here is what you can expect at your in-office appointment for your safety:

  • All office staff and providers will be wearing a mask.
  • All patients and visitors age 2 and older will be required to wear a mask, which we will provide.
  • We follow strict procedures for cleaning surfaces between each patient visit.
  • We have spaced out waiting areas to enable social distancing and set up new ways to limit your time spent in waiting areas.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19:

Learn more about the steps we’re taking to keep you safe. Besides in-person visits, we continue to offer Virtual Visits based on your needs. If you have questions or would like to confirm your appointment, please call your provider’s office.

Rest assured v1

Outpatient Appointments

We are taking careful steps to protect you and our team. If we do not contact you to reschedule, please plan to arrive for your appointment at your scheduled time.

  • Patients are encouraged to come to the appointment by themselves and will be screened. If the patient does not pass the screening, the patient could be asked to reschedule their appointment.
  • One adult companion may accompany the patient (e.g. driver, caregiver) and will be screened. If the companion does not pass the screening they will be asked to leave.
  • If the companion is a parent or guardian of a minor child and does not pass the screening, another adult can be screened, or the appointment will be rescheduled.

Here is what you can expect at your in-office appointment for your safety:

  • All office staff and providers will be wearing a mask.
  • All patients and visitors age 2 and older will be required to wear a mask, which we will provide.
  • We follow strict procedures for cleaning surfaces between each patient visit.
  • We have spaced out waiting areas to enable social distancing and set up new ways to limit your time spent in waiting areas.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19:

Learn more about the steps we’re taking to keep you safe. Besides in-person visits, we continue to offer Virtual Visits based on your needs. If you have questions or would like to confirm your appointment, please call your provider’s office.

Rest assured v1

Elective Procedures

IU Health has resumed some elective surgeries for our patients. If you had an elective surgery canceled in the last few months and your physician has decided you may now safely have the surgery, you will be contacted by your physician’s office to reschedule.

As you may understand, there are many appointments to be rescheduled, so please don’t worry if you don’t hear from us right away. We appreciate your patience and know that we will be calling soon. Some patients will need to be tested for COVID-19 prior to the procedure for their safety and the safety of the care team.

Rest assured that our team will address any concerns you may have regarding your surgery prior to scheduling. If you have questions, or your condition changes, please contact your physician’s office.

Upcoming Procedures

Elective Procedures

IU Health has resumed some elective surgeries for our patients. If you had an elective surgery canceled in the last few months and your physician has decided you may now safely have the surgery, you will be contacted by your physician’s office to reschedule.

As you may understand, there are many appointments to be rescheduled, so please don’t worry if you don’t hear from us right away. We appreciate your patience and know that we will be calling soon. Some patients will need to be tested for COVID-19 prior to the procedure for their safety and the safety of the care team.

Rest assured that our team will address any concerns you may have regarding your surgery prior to scheduling. If you have questions, or your condition changes, please contact your physician’s office.

Staying connected with loved ones while you receive care is vital to your health and well-being. Phones, tablets, and computers offer free and easy ways to communicate with your friends and family through video, voice, or text.

Patients are welcome to use personal devices. Patients who do not have access to personal devices can use in-room telephones or ask their care providers about the availability of IU Health loaner iPads. Learn more about resources available to you so you can stay connected to your loved ones.

Watch: Coping with Visitor Restrictions

    Stay Connected Virtually

    Staying connected with loved ones while you receive care is vital to your health and well-being. Phones, tablets, and computers offer free and easy ways to communicate with your friends and family through video, voice, or text.

    Patients are welcome to use personal devices. Patients who do not have access to personal devices can use in-room telephones or ask their care providers about the availability of IU Health loaner iPads. Learn more about resources available to you so you can stay connected to your loved ones.

    Watch: Coping with Visitor Restrictions

      Virtual Visitation Resources

      Stay Connected with Virtual Visitation

      How to Connect with a Patient or Family Member

      Learn how to use IU Health Wi-Fi in the hospital. Find steps to use common apps such as FaceTime, Zoom and Skype.

      View Instructions (PDF)