Frequently Asked Questions

This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from Kingston-area citizens and others regarding the medical screening process and general health issues or concerns. This page will grow based on feedback from the Kingston/Roane County community. Thank you for your participation in the FAQ process.

• Who is eligible for the screening?
• How do I sign up?
• When can I be screened?
• Where do I go to be screened? Will I have to travel?
• Who will be conducting the screenings?
• How much does the screening cost?
• Since TVA is paying ORAU for the medical screenings, how can ORAU be independent?
• How long will it take to get the medical screening test results?
• What is medical toxicology?
• What is a medical toxicologist?
• If someone’s tests show a particular chemical or substance is affecting certain organs, will you refer them to the appropriate specialists?

Video Interview Responses

Toxicologist Dr. John Benitez answers more questions about general health issues or concerns.

Q: Who is eligible for the screening?

A: Anyone who lives in the area and wants to be screened is eligible. People living closest to the spill site will be screened first.

Q: How do I sign up?

A: The first step in the screening process is to let ORAU know you are interested. Give us your name and phone number so that an ORAU representative can contact you for further information. You can submit this information by going to the Medical Screening Process and Sign-Up page or by mailing in an inquiry card. Inquiry cards are available at the following locations:

TVA/EPA Outreach Center
509 Kentucky Avenue
Kingston TN 37763

Roane County State of Tennessee Department of Health
1362 North Gateway Avenue
Rockwood, TN 37854

Kingston Public Library
1004 Bradford Way
Kingston, TN 37763-3100

Harriman Public Library
601 Walden Avenue
Harriman, TN 37748

Michael Dunn Center
629 Gallaher Road
Hwy. 58
Kingston, TN  37763

Q: When can I be screened?

A: Screenings will begin in August.

Q: Where do I go to be screened? Will I have to travel?

A: Screenings will be conducted locally using medical facilities in the area. You can learn more about the exact process for the screenings by reading the Kingston Project Medical Screenings: What Can I Expect? document (PDF).

Q: Who will be conducting the screenings?

A: Medical toxicologists from Vanderbilt University Medical Center will be conducting the screenings. You can learn more about the medical staff on the Physician Bios page.

Q: How much does the screening cost?

A: There is no cost to the individual for the screening.

Q: Since TVA is paying ORAU for the medical screenings, how can ORAU be independent?

A: Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is conducting the medical screening program in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). ORAU will conduct interviews and schedule appointments. Doctors from VUMC will review the results with the individuals who receive the tests. The medical screenings will be conducted at local facilities to make the process convenient for residents.

For the past 30 years, ORAU has conducted both short term and long term health assessments. ORAU has conducted health assessments on former Department of Energy workers for more than 15 years. ORAU has provided health education to doctors and the public at dozens of hazardous waste sites in the United States.

ORAU and VUMC will design, conduct, analyze, and report on the screenings. Individual patient results will remain confidential and will only be released to the patient or with the patient’s permission. Findings from the medical screenings will be made public in a report that is free of any personally identifiable information. No identifiable or confidential information will be released to TVA or any other entity.

Q: How long will it take to get the medical screening test results?

A: It will take about 10 days for the doctors to get the laboratory results. If there is an ‘urgent finding’, the participant will be contacted immediately by one of the doctors from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Otherwise, the Vanderbilt physicians will review all the results with the participant at the time of the physical examination.

Q: What is medical toxicology?

A:Medical toxicology is the medical subspecialty that is involved in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients who have been exposed to agents that may cause a poisoning or adverse health effects. These agents may include medications, chemicals (gases, liquids, or solids), plants, herbals, biological or chemical warfare agents, or envenomations. These exposures may be intentional, such as overdose, or unintentional, such as environmental or occupational exposures. Medical toxicology is also involved in poison prevention and medication safety. Medical toxicology is a recognized board specialty of the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Q: What is a medical toxicologist?

A: For a physician to be board certified in Medical Toxicology, he/she must first complete training in a primary specialty such as emergency medicine, internal medicine, preventive medicine or pediatrics. After completion of this training, then the physician must complete two additional years of training devoted to the specialty of medical toxicology. For board certification, the candidate must pass a national written examination on Medical Toxicology. In addition, the toxicologist must maintain continued education and recertify via a national examination every 10 years to assure that the physician is keeping up to date in the field.

 

Q: If someone’s tests show a particular chemical or substance is affecting certain organs, will you refer them to the appropriate specialists?

A: Absolutely. Some things medical toxicologists can take care of, for example if individuals need specialized toxicological care. But if someone is developing bronchitis or emphysema or some other lung condition that toxicologists don’t normally treat they will absolutely be referred to their primary care doctor or to their pulmonologist.