You and your staff bring the personal touch to this process and are critical to making the OPEN card work.  Give the card to your patients as they begin treatment.  Explain the program to them, help them to fill out the card, and encourage them to carry the card with them at all times.   When they return to your office, remind them to bring their card to be updated each time they receive treatment.

We encourage you to enroll in the Physician’s Network so that we can support your efforts and maintain your practice in the midst of any potential emergency, as well as enlist your help to treat displaced patients.  To do so, click here.

What information is on this card? 
The patient’s individualized card will contain some personal information such as insurance information and names and phone numbers of their out-of-area- contact, and diagnosis, treatment, and medications information.

Do I need to fill out any information on the card?
Yes.  Your office will fill out the treatment information and update that information in space provided with each subsequent treatment.   Also, please ensure that the patient has completed the top panel (both sides) with: 
     •  insurance carrier’s contact information.
      •  contact information for friends or relatives that live outside of          the area who will receive a copy of this card. 

Why should patients send a copy of the card to someone else?
In the event the patients’ records cannot be accessed or are destroyed or if they lose this card or it is destroyed, they can have peace of mind that someone else will be able to provide critical health information to an alternative physician to continue treatments.  The out-of-area contacts will be able to fax a treatment record to an alternative physician.

Who is an alternative physician?
An alternative physician is someone who can continue your patients’ treatments in the event your office is unable to do so.  Likewise, you may serve as an alternative physician for someone who has been displaced.

Will medications be available to my patients if they are treated by an alternative physician?
Based on the information provided on the OPEN card, the alternative physician should be able to order the correct medications.

When and how is the treatment information updated?
Encourage your patients to bring their cards for all treatments and to ask the staff to update them after each treatment.  Encourage staff to remind the patients to present their cards for updating.  When a card runs out of space, give the patient another one.

Where can I get more cards?
Cards are available from MOASC at no cost.  To order more click here.

Is there any cost to participate in this program?
No, there is absolutely no cost to you to participate in this program.  The OPEN card is being provided to your patients as a courtesy from the Medical Oncology Association of Southern California.

How can I enroll in the OPEN Physician Network?
We welcome your participation in OPEN.  To enroll, click here.

What else should I know? 
We hope that you and your patients will never have to use this card.  But if there is an emergency, your patients will be able to access the continuity of care needed for their recovery.  If you have additional questions, please click here.