Mask Policy & Service Changes

It's possible to have COVID-19 without having symptoms. Masks help prevent germs from traveling far enough to infect others, especially those at high risk. If you wear a mask, you protect others from germs you do not even know you have. When others wear masks, they protect you the same way.

CDC guidance changed based on research about the high probability of asymptomatic transmission – that is, transmission of COVID-19 by people who aren't even aware they're infected. We have aligned our policy to meet these guidelines. Wearing a cloth mask is not foolproof, but if someone is infected and does not know it, the mask prevents their breath from traveling far and potentially infecting others.

Asymptomatic transmission refers to transmission of the virus by a person who does not develop symptoms.

Please contact your care team in advance of any appointments and let our staff know of your condition. Telehealth may be an appropriate option for you. To protect others, always maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance around yourself, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer, and cover your cough and sneeze into your elbow.

Masks should not be placed on children younger than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.

For the safety of all patients, visitors and staff, we require all who enter our facilities to wear a mask. If you cannot wear one, or refuse to wear one, please contact your care team to discuss options like telehealth. Any patient who arrives but refuses to wear a mask will be asked to return to their vehicle and call 913-588-1600 to discuss next steps in their care.

The mask should cover your nose and chin. It should fit snugly but comfortably and should not restrict your breathing. It should be secured with ear loops or ties. You should handle the mask only by the ear loops or ties when removing and should be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, mouth or face while removing. Cloth masks should be laundered between uses.

No. When in our facilities, including in exam rooms during visits, you must wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth. If you would like to wear a face shield as well, you are welcome to do so, but it must be in addition to a mask. The face shield provides helpful protection, such as for the eyes, but it does not fit closely over the nose and mouth to contain the spread of respiratory droplets. Wearing a face shield does not take the place of wearing a mask.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest information and recommendations.

We've reinvented the outpatient clinic experience with process changes to protect patient and staff. Learn more about what to expect when you visit us for your important healthcare.

• Contact your care team directly to learn more about remote and select in-person options.
• Turning Point is offering a variety of classes by Zoom through July. Learn more.

Check the latest hours and locations for:

• Imaging
• Laboratory
• Pharmacy
• Urgent care

Telehealth

• For efficiency and convenience, we offer telehealth services for many primary, specialty and urgent care needs. Learn more about telehealth visits.

We test all patients admitted to the hospital on our main campus. Proactively determining each person's status helps us provide the best individualized plans of care.

We have made temporary changes to our food, drink and dining offerings throughout health system cafes.

• We have closed self-serve options, including salad bars and fountain drink stations.
• We have discontinued the use of reusable cups.
• We have closed dine-in seating options – though grab-and-go food and drink options are still readily available.

The hours of several of our Roasterie Café locations have changed. You can visit these locations Monday-Friday.

• Cambridge Tower A: 5:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Medical Pavilion, Level 1: 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Center for Advanced Heart Care, ground floor: 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

D&G Café and Bell Café continue to offer fresh-brewed Roasterie coffee 24/7.

Valet parking services have changed:

• Valet parking at our main campus, including Cambridge Tower A, has closed. Between the hours of 7 a.m.-5 p.m., we will be happy to meet you with a wheelchair at your vehicle and assist you to and from your appointment.
• At The University of Kansas Cancer Center at our Westwood Campus and at the Richard and Annette Bloch Radiation Oncology Pavilion on Rainbow Boulevard, all visitors must be screened before exiting their vehicles. Once you have passed your screening, we will valet park your vehicle.