Note: This page will be continually updated with the latest information for referring providers regarding changes in policy or procedure at Minnesota Oncology in response to COVID-19. You may also visit our COVID-19 Updates page for patients and caregivers.
Dear Colleagues,
As we all work to respond to the rapidly evolving public health concerns surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19), I want to assure you that Minnesota Oncology is closely monitoring these developments and taking actions to protect the health and wellness of the community we serve.
We have implemented an internal COVID-19 Task Force that is continually monitoring, evaluating and updating our response. Our decisions are based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and other federal, state and local agencies; daily input from the Minnesota Oncology clinical and operational team; and our patient-first culture.
As a result of COVID-19, you and your patients may notice changes in our offices including:
- Implementing screening protocols as part of our check-in process
- Asking patients with COVID-19 risk factors including fever, cough, international travel or exposure to someone with a confirmed diagnosis to reschedule their appointments;
- Restricting the travel of our employees;
- Mandating that all employees exhibiting COVID-19 risk factors or feeling generally unwell stay home from work;
- Limiting who may visit our locations, including the number of individuals accompanying patients; and
Implementing enhanced telemedicine capabilities to allow us to provide continued care to our most vulnerable patients.
Our care for patients is not changing. If you have patients that need to be seen, please continue to call and schedule patients. You may also refer a patient online. If you have questions regarding a patient for oncology or hematology and whether the need is urgent, please feel free to contact any of our providers. If you don’t have their contact info, please reach out to Courtney Anderson (contact information below) and she can assist.
These measures are a part of our commitment to ensure the critical care patients count on is not interrupted.
Additionally, we have asked our oncology liaison to temporarily stop making office visits. We know the additional challenges providing care in this ever-changing situation creates and want to do what we can to support the healthcare system at large. We will still provide you timely updates on our mutual patients as necessary, and we will work to connect with you in other ways until it’s appropriate for our liaisons to get back in the field. The liaisons are an extension of our team, so please reach out for any support needs.
Courtney Anderson: Courtney.Anderson@usoncology.com or 612.309.3415
Thank you for entrusting us in the care of your oncology patients. We are committed to taking all measures necessary to ensure the health and safety of all those we serve.
Sincerely,
Paul Thurmes Steve Endrud
President Executive Director
Minnesota Oncology Minnesota Oncology