Current M. D. Anderson patients can find out more about how Hurricane Katrina could impact them on our Patient Information Page.

If you are interested in helping the cancer patients affected by this disaster, you can donate to the Hurricane Katrina Cancer Patients and Family Assistance Fund at M. D. Anderson.

Read the latest developments at M. D. Anderson regarding the effects of Hurricane Katrina below.

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is continuing to provide cancer treatment and assisting in the relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina evacuees in the Houston area.

As of today (Monday, September 19), M. D. Anderson has admitted or treated 353 patients: 44 who were admitted to the hospital, 236 who have contacted or are registered in outpatient clinics, and 62 who were treated and released from the Emergency Center.

M. D. Anderson physicians, physician assistants, nurses and other caregivers also are treating evacuees in the Houston Astrodome in desperate need medical care.

M. D. Anderson continues to work closely with Texas Medical Center institutions, the City of Houston, local emergency and public health agencies to provide a community-wide, coordinated relief effort.



Information Available for Cancer Patients Affected by Hurricane Katrina
September 8, 2005

Cancer patients displaced by Hurricane Katrina and oncologists trying to help them may be able to piece together patient medical information to proceed with treatment through various federal and medical organizations, as well as insurers. 

One of the main efforts is being coordinated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI hosted a conference call on Friday, Sept. 2, with physician leaders from the comprehensive cancer centers in the United States to share information regarding efforts to address the needs of cancer patients affected by the hurricane.

Key information from the call:

NCI Hot line – A hot line has been set up at the NCI to provide information regarding patients registered on Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) protocols. The hotline, (301) 496-5725, is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Calls after 5 p.m. will be answered within one hour, as personnel are on call to respond to questions. Protocol regimen and cycle information for patients from areas affected by Hurricane Katrina will be shared with physicians who call. The hot line can also guide callers to Cooperative Group trials information sources.

Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – A toll free number, 1-800-473-2783, is set up to verify Medicaid and CHIP enrollment information and procedures to address claims.

Uninsured patients – Patients without insurance (or private insurance) must register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be eligible for medical coverage. At M. D. Anderson, patients, regardless of insurance status, are getting assistance in registering for the FEMA relief program through the cancer center’s case management and social services staff.

The NCI’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) and the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) – CIS and ASCO are teaming up to provide information for patients affected by Hurricane Katrina, including details about how they can connect with their displaced physicians. Click on the ASCO website. In addition, patients can call 1-800-4-CANCER to get information about oncologists in the vicinity of their temporary shelters or new residences.

Disease-specific organizations and websites, such as www.breastcancer.org, also have created message boards for information gathering and sharing.

Insurance Allowances Due to Katrina patients
The Texas Medical Association (TMA) reports that insurers are making allowances for their members who were affected by the hurricane, as well as the physicians caring for them. The TMA website has details about the insurer’s plans.