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

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 by 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.

Ochsner’s specialists treat more than 34,000 cancer patients annually, from all 50 states and 34 countries. Ochsner provides 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 trials available in New Orleans are also available to Ochsner patients in Baton Rouge.

04/07/2020