Community Oncology Alliance (COA)

Sustainable models require asking what a result shows, what design produced it, and whether the design was built to measure value or just produce a number.

CAR T-cell therapy must be treated as a complete "vein-to-vein" episode, with community practices needing to take control of cases for a period of time.

Panelists say drug price negotiation, Medicaid changes, prior authorization, and 340B reform strain community oncology.

The 2026 COA Payer Exchange and Innovation Summit began with a panel on AI and the ever-changing digital infrastructure in community oncology.

The Community Oncology Alliance is the only national organization focused exclusively on community oncology; it advocates for independent practices where most Americans with cancer receive treatment.

In part 2, Christine Pfaff, RPh, MBA, explores reimbursement gaps, new payment models, and payer partnerships needed to expand cellular therapy access.

Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, MPH, discusses how AI can streamline prior authorization and revenue cycle workflows in community oncology.

NCCN concordance won't ensure coverage; OAB risk tied to income; 91% offer bispecifics; ruxolitinib spend hits $49.6M; TALK SAFE Act aids telepsychiatry.

Most community oncology practices now administer bispecific antibodies in-office, but reimbursement gaps remain a top barrier, a survey finds.

Karen van Caulil, PhD, explained why employers evaluating cancer care weigh timely access, quality, and equity alongside cost.

Stephen "Fred" Divers, MD, discusses how COA study data push back on payer bias and support community oncology's long-term sustainability.

Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, discusses findings showing community oncology delivers outcomes comparable with academic care for breast cancer and NSCLC.

Christine Pfaff, RPh, MBA, discusses barriers to community cellular therapy delivery and the need for new business models and payer collaboration.

Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, MPH, discusses AI adoption, administrative burden, and strategies to streamline prior authorization in oncology.

Bundled payment models offer employers and community oncology practices greater cost predictability while improving patient access, Baird said.

Employers can advance patient-centered oncology care through proactive benefits, quality data, navigation, and tailored support, Amanda Green, MPH, said.

PBM practices and split benefit coverage for oral vs IV chemotherapy drive high costs; a bill would close the gap for self-funded plans.

AI tools can ease administrative burden in community oncology, but practices face adoption, security, compliance, bias, and error concerns.

AI-guided breast screening is advancing faster than coverage policy, guidelines, and imaging capacity—raising questions about who qualifies and who pays.

Designated teams, standardized SOPs, and scalable workflows are essential before a community practice's first bispecific dose.

Seven oncology leaders reflect on lasting gains in patient care, cost awareness, and collaboration, and what was lost when CMS walked away.

Community Oncology Alliance AI Playbook powers digital health practice transformation, guiding teams to choose AI partners, protect data, and expand efficient care.

Alexa Simon Meara, MD, MS, discusses breaking down silos between academic and community oncology to improve immunotherapy care and irAE management.

Community oncology practices face major infrastructure and reimbursement gaps when delivering bispecific antibodies.

Pharmacists need better support to manage emotional strain tied to patient suffering, treatment costs, and care decisions, says Karen Fancher, PharmD, BCOP.

Johnetta Blakely, MD, MS, MMHC, discusses her new role as chief medical officer of the Community Oncology Alliance during an interview that will appear in the June issue of Evidence-Based Oncology.

Diana Verrilli, MS, of Navista breaks down the regulatory, payer, and cybersecurity pressures threatening community oncology practices—and maps a path forward.

Community oncology can navigate bispecific therapy rollout with staff training, clear handoffs, and reliable reimbursement, said Lekan Ajayi, PharmD.

Community oncology grapples with the logistics of bispecifics with step-up dosing straining staff and reimbursement, said Lekan Ajayi, PharmD.