HURRICANE
PREPAREDNESS
At OncoLogics, we do everything we can to keep our patient information protected, keep our patients informed of possible office closures, and protect data for patients under treatment so they can easily resume treatment at an alternate location if necessary. As a patient or a loved one caring for a patient, it is also important that you are prepared in the event of a storm or other emergency situation. We put together the following list of items, which are just some of the things you should think about prior to an evacuation or possible emergency situation:
- Keep a list of all medications taken, including the dosage and instructions (for example "x milligrams twice per day"). If possible, you should refill all prescriptions prior to an evacuation or other event, and keep your pharmacy's phone number with you.
- Keep a list of all physicians and the type of care they are providing. Try to get detailed information (the exact name and dosage of the chemotherapy drugs, the kind of therapy you are having and the number of treatments you've already received, etc.). See below for information on your OncoLogics' records.
- Contact each of your physicians and find out how they can be reached, and how you can obtain information from them, in the event their offices are closed. Carry your primary physician's contact information with you, at all times.
- Keep a copy of any medical records you have, together with a copy of your current health insurance card(s), with you during an evacuation.
- Do not assume your evacuation destination will have the medical facilities you may require, and be sure to consider those criteria when making travel arrangements. For example, if you need dialysis, be sure you relocate to a place that has a facility, and which is out of harm's way for power outages and potential water problems. Other needs to consider are mobility aids, oxygen, ADA equipment, wheelchair accessibility, and radiation therapy or chemotherapy facilities.
- You may want to consider travel insurance, which should include medical evacuation and emergency treatment.
- Keep an evacuation "kit", which contains all of your health related information, including the information described above, along with your homeowners policy and other pertinent information. Update this kit on a regular basis if possible, and at least a few days prior to any threatening storm or other event.
- Call our hotline 877-807-4603 or check our website at www.oncologics.net for updates regarding our treatment facilities.
There is no need to worry about your medical records at OncoLogics. "Treatment books" are made for each patient, and backups are securely located offsite, so they will be available to our patients in the event treatment is required at another location. We also provide each patient with a hotline phone number so they can check the status of any possible office closures, and re-openings, on a regular basis. Of course, we will provide patients with a copy of their treatment booklet upon request.
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