Putting Your Safety First
Welcome to University of Utah Health. As always, we're here for all of your health care needs, whether virtually or in person. We are taking extra precautions during this time to ensure that we can continue to provide the best and most timely care possible in a safe environment.
The health of our patients, caregivers, families, and visitors is our top priority. This includes taking steps consistent with Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for everyone who enters our facility. Our providers and staff are highly vaccinated.
Patient Appointments at U of U Health Hospitals & Clinics
How to Prepare for Your Appointment & What to Expect
Face Masks: Masking is optional in most clinical locations for patients, visitors, faculty, and staff. However, we do require masking in specific waiting room areas and patient care rooms to protect highly immunocompromised patients. Learn more about U of U Health locations that require masking.
Vaccine Status: While we do not require you to have a vaccine to enter our health centers and clinics, we highly recommend that all children and adults are up-to-date on their vaccinations and boosters, according to CDC guidelines.
Number of People: Please limit the number of people who come with you to regular appointments and screenings. See our visitor policy for more information.
COVID Symptoms: Please consider delaying your appointment If you are:
- experiencing COVID-19 symptoms,
- waiting for COVID-19 test results, or
- it has been fewer than 10 days since you tested positive for COVID-19.
You can also schedule a virtual visit.
Do I Need a COVID Test?
If you are a patient coming for an appointment, you do not need to take a COVID test before your appointment. If you are coming for a procedure or overnight stay, please review the guidelines below.
You can find guidelines about what to expect for your specific appointment in MyChart.
Virtual Visits
Many of our providers can meet with you virtually. Please check with the health center/clinic or provider you wish to see. They will help you navigate what type of visit is best for you.
Patient Procedures & Overnight Stays: What to Expect
To Prepare
Face Masks: Masking is optional in most clinical locations for patients, visitors, faculty, and staff. However, we do require masking in specific waiting room areas and patient care rooms to protect highly immunocompromised patients. Learn more about U of U Health locations that require masking.
Vaccine Status: While we do not require you to have a vaccine to enter our health centers and clinics, we highly recommend that all children over five and adults are vaccinated and boosted according to CDC guidelines.
COVID Symptoms: If you are experiencing COVID symptoms, please talk to your provider about next steps.
Out of State Patients: If you have been vaccinated, please bring your vaccine card with you.
Testing & Costs
Testing
For some procedures, you will need to take a COVID test beforehand; however, this does not apply to all procedures. Your provider will let you know whether or not you need a COVID test before you come in for your procedure or appointment.
COVID Testing Before Procedure: If you are coming to a hospital, health center, or clinic for a procedure, you will need to take a COVID test before your procedure. This applies even if you have been vaccinated. These tests are done by saliva testing. See your COVID screening form for how to schedule this test.
Costs
You will not be personally charged for COVID testing. However, to cover test costs, we will bill either your insurance or other government programs.
At your test, you will receive a flyer about the process to pay for COVID testing and what we need from you.
Visitor Guidelines & Masking Policy
U of U Health allows optional masking in most clinical locations for patients, visitors, faculty, and staff. To protect our highly immunocompromised patients, masking will still be required in specific waiting rooms and patient areas. Learn more about U of U Health locations that still require masking.
For the number of visitors that can come with you and age guidelines, please view the full visitor policy.
Safety Measures
For Patients
Virtual care for clinical visits
Contact-less registration and checkout
Wait-in-car or physically distant lobby
During Your Visit
Masking in some areas with immunocompromised patients
Strict hand washing compliance
Enhanced-cleaning practices
Following Safety Protocols
We are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and appropriate state guidelines to keep you and our teams safe. Thank you for helping us support and protect one another. Together we will adapt to our new normal.