Geisinger updates visitation policies

DANVILLE, Pa. – With continued increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Geisinger is updating its in-person visitation policies as part of our commitment to protect the safety of our patients, visitors and employees.

Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 22, Geisinger’s updated visitation policy will go into effect for all hospital and outpatient locations. 

At all hospitals, changes include:

• Admitted patients will be allowed two designated visitors through the duration of a hospital stay, meaning visitors may not switch out with other visitors. 

• Designated visitors will receive an identification wristband that they must wear for the duration of the patient’s stay.

• Emergency room patients will be permitted one visitor for the duration of their stay once the patient is in the treatment area.
• Emergency room patients who are positive for COVID-19 or who are suspected of having COVID-19 are not permitted visitors.

At all outpatient locations, changes include:

• No visitors are permitted during outpatient appointments, unless medically necessary.
• Outpatient appointments include certain surgeries, mental or behavioral health, primary care and others.
• A medical necessity for a visitor includes when the patient is under age 18 or has a physical, intellectual, developmental or cognitive disability, a communication barrier or a behavioral concern.

Geisinger encourages alternate means of visiting with a loved one in the hospital, including phone calls and virtual visits through Facetime, Skype or other means. 

For the latest COVID information, including Geisinger’s visitation policies, visit geisinger.org/COVIDVisitation. 

About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the non-profit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 134 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses, and Geisinger Health Plan, with 600,000 members in commercial and government plans. The Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,600 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $14 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country.  Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.