COVID-19 Pandemic Is No Time to Skip Cancer Screenings
Every October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - we remind our community to take charge of their breast health. To schedule a yearly mammogram. To call their doctor if something doesn't feel or look right. In 2020, we are continuing to share that reminder. But we know the COVID-19 pandemic might make some people feel a little uneasy about participating in routine screenings or seeking medical care. We're here to remind you that during this extraordinary time, we are making every effort to keep you safe while in our care.
We continue to put the safety of our patients, associates and providers first. Thousands of our patients have already had visits in person with their doctors using these new safety measures. At all of our locations, or virtually through telehealth, OhioHealth providers are ready to deliver the care you need without compromising your sense of comfort.
Before an imaging or mammogram appointment, patients will receive a call to discuss the details of their visit and answer a few questions about COVID-19 symptoms or exposure. When patients arrive, we will:
- Clean and disinfect all equipment and surfaces between patients.
- Ask patients to remain in their car until 15 minutes before their appointment, to minimize the number of patients in our waiting area.
- Take the temperature of all patients and require them to wear masks.
- Enforce social distancing guidelines in our waiting area.
- Restrict visitors, unless patients need physical assistance.
OhioHealth's specialized breast cancer surgeons: Natalie Jones, MD, Deepa Halaharvi, DO, Jodi Oostra, MD, Mark Cripe, DO and Kara Rossfeld, MD, recently came together virtually to share important information about breast cancer detection, which you may view in the video player above.
Are you due for your mammogram? If so, click here to find a location near you.
To learn more about breast cancer care at OhioHealth, click here.
