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Article has been updated on June 10, 2020 to reflect revised information and resources for cancer patients.
Physicians and staff within the division of Hematology and Oncology areÌýcommitted to protecting the health and safety of our cancer patient community in the midst of the coronavirusÌýpandemicÌý(COVID-19). WeÌýareÌýhere to provide guidance and support during this challenging time, andÌýunderstand that the current situation may create additional stressors for cancer patients and their loved ones.ÌýÌý
Please know thatÌýwe remain dedicated toÌýtheÌýhealthÌýand wellbeing of our cancer community. ContinuingÌýto provide world-class cancerÌýcare for our oncology patients is very important to us and we are still accepting new patients.
As part of ourÌýmission toÌýprovideÌýcareÌýduring this unprecedented time,Ìýour team has been implementing extensive patient-centered precautions.ÌýThese includeÌýefforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our facilitiesÌýand theÌýexpansion of virtual video-based appointments when appropriate. We also provide expert, multidisciplinary care for any patient with cancer who needs medical attention for COVID-19.Ìý
Video VisitsÌýallow patients to speak to physicians virtually in order to receive high-quality care from the safety and convenience of their own homes, helping to maintain social distance.ÌýPlease contact us at (646) 962-2800 to inquire about video visits or schedule a video visit appointment. We are here to answer any questions that you may have.ÌýÌý
Below, we’ve addressed some frequently asked questions to help people with cancer and their loved ones to best navigate this rapidly evolving situation.Ìý
Cancer patients who are actively undergoing cancer treatment or who have recently completed treatment may be more susceptible to becoming sick with infections, including COVID-19, due to the impact of cancer and its treatments on the immune system. Our healthcare team is available to discuss your specific situation based on individual factors, including your cancer or blood disorder diagnosis, treatment regimen, other existing health conditions, and more.
If you are receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, cellular therapy or have recently undergone a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, you may need to take additional precautions to prevent infection. Each person is unique and this should be discussed with your care team.
As a leading institution caring for patients with all types of health conditions, we are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive care for our patients who are diagnosed with or suspected to have COVID-19. The ¹ú²ú³Ô¹Ï¸£Àû Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology has created special areas for patients with COVID-19 so that they can continue to receive the care they need separate from our other patients. For some patients with COVID-19, it is safer to delay cancer treatment until the infection has subsided, so this will be evaluated on an individualized basis with your care team.
If you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, or are otherwise concerned that you may have COVID-19, please contact your physician via phone or video visit before coming in for an appointment. This is a very important step you can take to protect your health and the health of others in our community. You may also call our hotline for more information on COVID-19 at (646) 697-4000. 
Reported COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough or shortness of breath, and may be mild to severe. The CentersÌýfor Disease Control (CDC) believes that symptoms may appear within 2 to 14 days of exposure.ÌýÌýÌý
Cancer patients, like otherÌýpeopleÌýimpacted by the coronavirus,Ìýmay experience mild to severe symptoms. If youÌýfeel youÌýare experiencing symptoms, call your oncology provider’s officeÌýor our COVID-19 hotline at (646) 697-4000 for guidance.ÌýÌýÌý
Cancer patients should follow theÌýCDC’s recommendationsÌýtoÌýhelp prevent infection and stop the spread of coronavirus.Ìý
Do not underestimate the power of a full night’s sleep (7 to 8 hours), aerobic exercise (preferably at home or outdoors, versus a gym) and a balanced diet (with plenty of fruits and vegetables) for bolstering the immune system.Ìý
If you are not feeling well, or have any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s best to avoid leaving your home. Instead, order groceries to be delivered or ask for help from family, neighbors, friends, or others. If you are feeling well and not exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, be sure to wear a mask or face covering and practice social distancing guidelines when shopping for groceries and other essentials. Wash your hands thoroughly when you return home. Be mindful if your store has designated hours for seniors and those with health conditions that make them more vulnerable to infection. Also, try to stock up on two weeks’ worth of food for your household which can help minimize trips to the store.ÌýÌýÌý
You may wish to take extra precautions with your groceries by:ÌýÌý
Taking food out of the packaging from the store and putting it into clean containers from your homeÌýÌý
Washing all produce immediately in warm water for at least 20 secondsÌýÌýÌý
Additional information can be found in this ¹ú²ú³Ô¹Ï¸£Àû article containingÌýTips for New Yorkers During PAUSE.Ìý
Many New Yorkers are not able to do laundry at home, so laundromats remain open and available throughout PAUSE. While in a communal laundry setting, be sure to practice social distancing and wash your hands multiple times. Disinfect any hard surface before placing clean clothes on it. Wash your clothing with the warmest water possible. For some clothing and bedding, consider using a detergent with a bleach compound that will destroy the virus. You may also want to consider changing your clothes immediately after coming home from a public space, such as the grocery store, to help minimize spreading the virus in your home.
Additional information can be found in this ¹ú²ú³Ô¹Ï¸£Àû article containingÌýTips for New Yorkers During PAUSE.Ìý
A cancer diagnosis can feel scary at any time, but people recently diagnosed with cancer should not feel alone during this difficult time. Our ¹ú²ú³Ô¹Ï¸£Àû cancer experts are here for you and still accepting new patients for both initial consultations and second opinions.ÌýÌý
Our team has been implementing extensive patient-centered precautions as part of ourÌýcommitment to continue toÌýprovideÌýcancer care and prevent the spread of COVID-19 at our facilities. We have also expanded our video-based appointment capabilities, as telehealth can be a great resource for many cancer patients. Additionally, we are still able to provide telephone consults and to facilitate work-ups and referrals when needed. Please contact us at (646) 962-2800 to inquire about making an appointment or scheduling a video visit.
¹ú²ú³Ô¹Ï¸£Àû is taking a number of precautionary steps to minimize the risk of exposure to our patients and community.Ìý Ìý
Our hematologists and oncologists offerÌývideo visitsÌýwhen appropriate. Many routine visits, consultations and follow-up visits with our providers have already been rescheduled or converted to video visits.Ìý Ìý
Video visits allow patients to receive high-quality care from the safety and convenience of their own homes,ÌýwhileÌýadhering to social distancing recommendationsÌýto minimize exposure to other individuals.ÌýÌý
To schedule a video visit, please follow the instructions below.ÌýÌý
Please be aware that the location of some in-person infusion or treatment visits may change. Your healthcare team will be in touch with you if this is the case for your visit.ÌýÌý
While we recognize the value of family and friends’ support throughout cancer diagnosis and treatment, keeping patients and their loved ones safe from coronavirus infection requires temporary changes to our visitor policies. Read ourÌýcurrent visitation guidelines.Ìý Ìý
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or suspect that you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19,ÌýcontactÌýyourÌýdoctor for further instruction. If you needÌýin-personÌýmedical attention, yourÌýdoctorÌýwillÌýadvise you regardingÌýtheÌýnecessary stepsÌýand preparationsÌýto protect you and others at the facility before you arrive.Ìý Ìý
PleaseÌýdo notÌývisit your doctor’s office or the emergency department without firstÌýbeingÌýin touch with your healthcare team.ÌýÌý
Our patients are welcome to call our hotline at (646) 697-4000 with questions at any time.ÌýÌý
Please listen to the latest podcast episode of CancerCast featuring Drs. John Leonard and Adrienne Phillips, M.D., M.P.H. about "Cancer in the Time of COVID-19."
The United States healthcare system’s response to COVID-19 is continually adapting to meet the best interest of public health and safety. For the most up-to-date information and guidelines related to COVID-19, please call ¹ú²ú³Ô¹Ï¸£Àû andÌýNewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s COVID-19 hotline – (646) 697-4000 – or visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus or cdc.gov/coronavirus.
