COVID-19 FAQs for Cancer Patients

During these challenging times, our Rush cancer centers are still here for you. We want to assure you that we are taking every possible measure to keep you safe during this time as we begin to reopen our clinics and begin scheduling surgeries and procedures. Learn how we are continuing to deliver the excellent care you have come to expect from us.

Are in-person appointments and infusion treatment available?

In-person appointments and infusion treatments are available at all Rush locations. Your care team may be able to offer you a virtual visit, as well.

For urgent care, patients can come directly to the Cancer Center at Rush University Medical Center.

What safety precautions are in place in Rush cancer clinics?

These are some of the precautions we have taken to protect our patients and staff:

  • Enhanced screening protocols for all patients: This may include a phone screening or screening at the front desk before your appointment. We will ask you several questions about possible COVID-19 symptoms and will guide you on next steps if you do have symptoms.
  • Universal masking of all staff and patients: You will be given a mask as soon as you enter any of our facilities and all our staff members will be wearing masks, as well. This gives an added level of protection for every single person coming into our Rush hospitals and clinics.
  • Temperature scanning at entrances: All patients and staff coming to any of our facilities will have their temperature taken by a contactless, infrared temperature scanner at our entrances.
  • Social distancing in waiting rooms and common areas: We have reconfigured waiting areas in the Cancer Center and our other clinics to ensure that seating is at least six feet apart.
  • Less populated clinics: Our clinics are less crowded with some appointments shifted to virtual care. This has allowed us to get you into your appointment with little wait time. That means, patients’ overall length of stay in the clinic has been much shorter overall.
  • Video visits: We have moved many visits to virtual care – for existing patients and new patients. For patients who are coming in for infusion treatments, surgery or radiation therapy, we may be able to do a portion of their care as a video visit before they come to campus. This limits the amount of people they come into in-person contact with and lessens time on in the clinic overall.
  • Enhanced COVID-19 testing: If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have a temperature of 100°F, we are offering testing for cancer patients at Rush University Medical Center. We are also testing all cancer patients – whether they have symptoms or not – before they start any treatment that may affect their immune system.
How do I access my virtual health appointment?

We are continuing to move many of our non-urgent appointments to phone or video visits. To access your video visit, log in to MyChart or register for a MyChart account on your browser or in the My Rush app. We recommend using the My Rush mobile app, available on the App Store and Google Play. If you already have the app, please verify that you are on the latest version. For a video visit, you will need a smartphone or a web camera and a high-speed Internet connection to participate.

Watch this video to learn how to start a scheduled video visit.

What is the visitor policy?

For your safety, we are currently not allowing visitors in most of our inpatient and outpatient areas. Learn more about our new visitor policy.

If you are coming to Rush University Medical Center and need assistance with mobility, a member of our team will meet you downstairs to escort you to the clinic and to subsequent appointments. When you arrive at the Medical Center, please stay in your car and contact (312) 947-3599 with information about your car.

If you are coming to Rush Oak Park Hospital and need wheelchair assistance, please call (708) 660-6627.

What are the urgent care hours?

Rush University Cancer Center’s urgent care, walk-in clinic at Rush University Medical Center is open Monday through Saturday if you are having unexpected or unusual symptoms throughout your treatment. Learn more about our urgent care clinic.

Urgent care clinic hours:
Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where can I find more COVID-19 information and resources?

To learn more about signs and symptoms of COVID-19, what to do if you are having symptoms and more, visit Rush’s COVID-19 information and resources page, which we continue to update with the latest information and changes.

Who should I call if I have concerns about COVID-19?

If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, please call your provider directly. If you have symptoms and need to schedule a COVID-19 test, you can schedule your appointment online.

Are supportive care services available during this time?

We understand the increased stress and anxiety many of our patients are feeling as we face the COVID-19 crisis together. Our experienced and compassionate supportive oncology team is available to help you through the physical, emotional and psychological challenges you’re facing this difficult time. Our team is available in person, by phone and by video. You can contact us through your care team or call us at (312) 563-2531.

Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center in Aurora also provides supportive care, free of charge, to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis.