By Contributing Writer - October 09, 2018
If a storm forces Moffitt Cancer Center to close for a period of time, a representative will reach out to you to about canceling and rescheduling your appointments.
The American Cancer Society says if you are still in the area where your cancer doctor or treatment facility is located, but have stopped treatment due to power outage, loss of transportation, damage to your home, or damage to the doctor’s office or treatment center, contact your doctor as soon as you can and find out what you need to do to continue treatment. If you can’t get in touch with your cancer doctor, try your treatment center, local emergency room, or your regular family doctor.
If you had to leave the area where you were getting treatment, you need to find a new cancer doctor and treatment center as soon as you can. Ask for help from the shelter staff, Red Cross, Salvation Army, or local health department. If all else fails, go to a local hospital information desk and ask for help.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed a wallet card for cancer patients in case of a natural disaster. The card is free and can be downloaded here. Patients can also call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) to request a card. ASCO and the NCI recommend writing your information on the card and then laminating it to protect it from possible water damage. It’s also important to have your insurance card with you at all times.
If a hurricane causes Moffitt to close, the facility will reopen as soon as it is safe. A Moffitt representative will contact patients who need to reschedule their appointments. If a storm is threatening Tampa Bay, patients are advised to check their patient portal and the Patient Hotline (813-745-3500) regularly for updates. Patients are advised to have a hurricane plan in place by the start of hurricane season on June 1.
