Oncology professionals dedicate their lives to providing life-saving care, but financial pressures continue to challenge cancer centers’ ability to maintain high-quality services.
In 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a 2.83% reduction in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, with medical oncology seeing an even greater 4% cut. These reimbursement reductions raise concerns about staffing, resource allocation, and, most importantly, patient access to care.
However, oncology practices can overcome these challenges by adopting proactive, flexible staffing strategies rather than reacting to budget constraints. By planning ahead, facilities can avoid disruptions, reduce provider burnout, and ensure uninterrupted patient care—even amid financial pressures.
Understanding the Financial Pressures on Oncology Practices
Medicare reimbursement rates have declined for the fifth consecutive year, forcing oncology practices to make difficult financial decisions. With the conversion factor dropping from $33.29 in 2024 to $32.35 in 2025, oncology centers—especially those in rural and community settings—face increased pressure to optimize operations without reducing the quality of care.
The Challenge of Staffing Amid Budget Constraints
Staffing is one of the most significant factors impacted by reduced Medicare reimbursement. Oncology practices require highly skilled professionals—from oncologists and radiation therapists to nurses and advanced practice providers (APPs)—to deliver critical care. As revenue shrinks, facilities must find innovative solutions to maintain adequate staffing without exceeding budget limitations.
Oncology centers can implement proactive staffing solutions that support their financial and patient care goals rather than reducing staff or overburdening existing teams.
Proactive Oncology Staffing Solutions for 2025
While financial constraints are a reality, cost-cutting should not come at the expense of patient care. Oncology facilities that invest in savvy workforce strategies will now be better positioned to weather financial pressures and maintain excellence in care.
Here’s how oncology leaders can take a forward-thinking approach to staffing and resource management:
Leverage Locum Tenens as a Strategic Investment
Locum tenens radiation and medical oncologist physicians offer an adaptable, cost-effective solution for cancer facilities that need flexibility in their staffing models. Unlike full-time hires, locum oncologists allow practices to scale staffing up or down as needed—without long-term financial commitments.
Rather than seeing locum tenens as an expense, oncology centers can use them as a proactive workforce tool to:
- Prevent coverage gaps when full-time providers take leave, retire, or transition out.
- Ensure continuity of care even when patient volume fluctuates.
- Reduce provider burnout by supplementing existing teams.
- Avoid last-minute staffing crises, which can be costly and disruptive.
By partnering with a dedicated oncology staffing firm, practices can maintain a steady pipeline of top-tier talent and minimize the financial burden of vacant positions.
Maximize the Role of Advanced Practice Providers
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are invaluable in expanding oncology capacity while optimizing costs. Many facilities already incorporate APPs into their care teams, but strategic integration can further enhance efficiency.
With appropriate training and supervision, APPs can:
- Manage routine follow-ups and patient assessments
- Oversee treatment monitoring and symptom management
- Reduce physician workload, allowing oncologists to focus on complex cases
Incorporating APPs effectively helps reduce overall labor costs without sacrificing patient outcomes.
Optimize Scheduling with AI and Data-Driven Workforce Planning
Artificial intelligence and workforce analytics are transforming oncology operations, helping facilities predict staffing needs and optimize resource allocation. AI-driven tools can:
- Improve scheduling accuracy, reducing unnecessary overtime costs
- Identify patient volume trends to plan staffing accordingly
- Automate administrative tasks, freeing up providers for direct patient care
By integrating AI-driven workforce management tools, oncology practices can operate more efficiently and prevent staffing shortages before they occur.
Expand Telehealth Services for Cost-Effective Care
With the rise of telehealth in oncology, practices can improve patient access while alleviating provider workload.
- Virtual follow-ups reduce the need for in-person visits, allowing providers to focus on more complex cases.
- Remote symptom management ensures patients receive timely care without overwhelming clinic schedules.
- Expanded teleoncology services provide access to specialists without requiring additional staff on-site.
Telehealth solutions enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making them valuable in offsetting financial pressures.
The True Cost of Medicare Cuts: Patient Access & Continuity of Care
Beyond the financial impact, the genuine concern with Medicare reimbursement cuts is how they affect patient access. Many oncology patients—especially those in rural or underserved areas—rely on Medicare for treatment.
Without proactive staffing strategies, facilities risk:
- Longer wait times for chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Provider burnout, leading to higher turnover and lower retention
- Disruptions in patient care, potentially affecting survival rates
By investing in staffing solutions now, oncology centers can ensure continuity of care and prevent these challenges from escalating.
How Oncology Practices Can Adapt
While the financial landscape for oncology practices is shifting, proactive strategies can help facilities weather the storm.
- Diversify revenue streams: Beyond Medicare reimbursement, facilities can explore ancillary services, such as genetic counseling, clinical trials, or specialty pharmacy services, to increase revenue.
- Advocate for policy changes: Engagement with professional organizations like ASCO and ASTRO can help influence reimbursement policies and fight for fairer rates. Contacting local representatives and participating in advocacy efforts can make a difference.
- Optimize staffing models: Oncology centers can maintain high-quality care without exceeding budget constraints by strategically leveraging locum tenens physicians, APPs, and cross-trained staff.
- Leverage data and analytics: Smart data utilization can help practices optimize scheduling, reduce inefficiencies, and better forecast financial needs.
How Cancer CarePoint Can Help Oncology Practices Stay Ahead
At Cancer CarePoint, we understand the unique staffing challenges oncology centers face. As the nation’s only dedicated oncology staffing firm, we provide proactive locum tenens and direct-hire staffing solutions that help facilities:
- Maintain consistent provider coverage without exceeding budget limits
- Fill oncology-specific roles with highly skilled professionals
- Reduce provider burnout by supplementing existing teams
- Ensure continuity of care in the face of workforce fluctuations
Final Thoughts: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Medicare cuts are not new, but oncology facilities don’t have to take a reactive approach. With strategic staffing models, innovative workforce planning, and a focus on operational efficiency, facilities can stay ahead of financial pressures while continuing to provide exceptional cancer care.
By investing in proactive staffing solutions today, oncology centers can future-proof their workforce, enhance efficiency, and improve patient outcomes—no matter what financial challenges arise.
