Essentia Health to Offer Curbside Vital Appointments

Curbside vitals are by appointment only.

FARGO, N.D.–Essentia Health has started offering curbside vital appointments for obstetric patients.

The idea for performing curbside vitals came after healthcare providers were unable to properly assess fetal heart rate and blood pressures for OB patients during virtual visits.

Patients, after completing a virtual visit, are encouraged to schedule a curbside vital appointment to check blood pressure and the baby’s heartbeat. Upon arrival at the clinic, a nurse and provider will meet the patient at their vehicle in the designated parking space to complete the check-up.

Dr. Stefanie Ellison says, “Our curbside vitals appointments allows us to offer a comprehensive visit without our patients even entering the clinic. So far, this has been very well received and an added assurance of well-being for our patients.”

Curbside vitals are by appointment only and patients are asked to come alone and wear a cloth mask.