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Ochsner Cancer Institute Offers Care for Travel-Impacted Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic

Cancer patients impacted by neighboring state quarantine orders can receive interim care close to home

NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Cancer Institute (Ochsner) wants to reassure local cancer patients who have been traveling out of state for treatment that they can easily continue their care in Louisiana during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, several governors in neighboring states have issued public safety executive orders targeting some of the virus’ hot spots, which includes the state of Louisiana. In some cases, these orders require all Louisianans who travel to certain states, either by air or road, to self-quarantine for an extended period before entering any public space. This would include hospitals and medical office buildings.

“Cancer causes tremendous stress on the patient and their loved ones. We want to ease that burden and ensure that cancer care is uninterrupted to the greatest extent possible. During this unprecedented time, it is important that we lend a hand to our fellow oncologists across the region, while assisting our local patients who are undergoing treatment both in and out of state,” said Brian Moore, MD, medical director, Ochsner Cancer Institute. “Fortunately, we have the same electronic health record—Epic—as many out-of-state facilities, which means we can access patient treatment plans at Ochsner locations across Louisiana and continue patient care in a highly effective and coordinated manner.”

Patients who ordinarily receive cancer care outside Louisiana can call (855) 312-4190 or email cancernavigation@ochsner.org to make an appointment at any Ochsner location in the state.

Ochsner patients have the benefit of the industry-leading electronic health record, Epic, which provides an environment to safely and securely share patient information no matter where the patient receives care. In addition, through the Epic Care Everywhere Network, Ochsner providers can see patient records from hundreds of hospitals and healthcare facilities across the nation as well as a number of international healthcare facilities. This ensures a higher level of coordinated care and improves outcomes. Ochsner patients can make appointments and access test results and healthcare resources through the patient portal, MyOchsner. The implementation and continuous optimization of Epic and MyOchsner demonstrates Ochsner’s continued commitment to consistently leading the industry in innovations that improve quality, access and convenience for patients.

Cancer Care at Ochsner

Ochsner’s specialists treat more than 34,000 cancer patients annually, from all 50 states and 34 countries. Ochsner is committed to providing exceptional cancer care where its patients live, in large and small communities alike and has cancer treatment facilities throughout the state including The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans; one of the largest multidisciplinary Neuroendocrine Tumor Programs in the U.S. at Ochsner Medical Center- Kenner; CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital in Lake Charles and the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport.

Ochsner Cancer Center - Baton Rouge and Ochsner Medical Complex - The Grove offer cancer treatment services to Greater Baton Rouge residents. Many of the cutting-edge trials available in New Orleans are also available to Ochsner patients in Baton Rouge.

To learn more about Ochsner cancer services, please visit www.ochsner.org/cancer-care. For the latest updates on how Ochsner is responding to COVID-19, please visit www.ochsner.org/coronavirus.

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About Ochsner Health

Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Ochsner Health is a not-for-profit committed to giving back to the communities it serves through preventative screenings, health and wellness resources and partnerships with innovative organizations that share our vision. Ochsner Health healed more than 876,000 people from across the globe in 2019, providing the latest medical breakthroughs and therapies, including digital medicine for chronic conditions and telehealth specialty services. Ochsner Health is a national leader, named the top hospital in Louisiana and a top children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report. As Louisiana’s leading healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. Ochsner Health is innovating healthcare by investing in new technologies and research to make world-class care more accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner's team of more than 26,000 employees and 4,500 providers are working to reinvent the future of health and wellness in the region. To learn more about Ochsner Health, please visit www.ochsner.org. To transform your health, please visit www.ochsner.org/healthyyou.

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