Patients across central and western Nebraska now have more ways to receive specialized cancer care closer to home through Nebraska Medicine | Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Kearney. 

Visiting specialists from Omaha hold regular clinics in Kearney, while Nebraska Medicine also works with other regional health care organizations to connect patients with the services they need.

“One of Nebraska Medicine’s missions is to expand the accessibility and availability of services in rural Nebraska,” says Christina Johnson, director of oncology ambulatory clinics and infusion and treatment centers. “Part of that mission has been to continue to bring specialists to where the patients are, so those patients don’t have to drive all the way to Omaha to receive that care.”

Specialty clinics available in Kearney

Patients can see Omaha-based specialists in Kearney for the following types of care:

• Gynecologic oncology
• Thoracic surgery
• Hepatobiliary surgery
• Endocrine surgery
• Hematologic malignancies
• GI surgical oncology

“They can see these specialists even if they’re not seen by our Kearney-based medical oncologists,” Johnson says. “If they need this specialty care, we are here for them.”

Fewer trips for surgical care

For the surgical specialties, Kearney visits are used for pre- and post-operative appointments. Surgeries are performed in Omaha, but patients can complete much of the care surrounding their procedure in Kearney.

“The only appointment they have to come to our Omaha location for is the procedure,” Johnson says. “They can do all the other care where they are, so it eliminates that burden.”

Reducing travel can save patients and caregivers money on gas and lodging, limit time away from work and family, and make frequent follow-up appointments easier to manage. It can also help patients avoid a long drive when they are not feeling well.

“There’s something to be said for familiarity, too,” Johnson adds. “Being in a community that they’re familiar with makes a difference to people.”

Working together to serve the region

Nebraska Medicine partners with other health care organizations in central and western Nebraska to keep care close to patients. 

Nebraska Medicine has supported patients through Mary Lanning Healthcare, using telehealth to connect patients in Grand Island and Hastings with providers in Kearney, while Kearney-based oncologists also travel to provide in-person care in Alma, Broken Bow, Cambridge, and Cozad.

Specialists also travel beyond Kearney. Thoracic surgery offers monthly clinics at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings and Grand Island, and at Great Plains Health in North Platte. GI surgical oncology holds a clinic twice each month at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

More cancer care and support in one community

Fred & Pamela Buffet Cancer Center – Kearney continues to expand services beyond visiting specialist clinics. Patients can access:

• Infusion care, including blood administration
• Genetic counseling by telehealth
• Survivorship programming
• Nutrition classes
• Massage therapy
• Scalp cooling
• Wig fittings

Clinical research is also part of the growth. An active clinical trial is available in Kearney, supported by a research nurse based there who partners closely with the Omaha team. 

Johnson says leaders continue to evaluate additional opportunities to bring more specialized treatments and procedures to rural communities.

“There are constant conversations about how we can continue to expand services and build on the excellent care already available in Kearney, bringing more specialized resources and treatment options closer to home for patients.”

Frequently asked questions about cancer care in Kearney

What cancer services are available at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Kearney?

The Kearney center offers medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, and infusion care, along with lab and pharmacy services. Patients may also have access to visiting specialty clinics, genetic counseling by telehealth, survivorship programs, nutrition classes, massage therapy, scalp cooling, and wig fittings. 

Do I need a referral to see a cancer specialist in Kearney?

Referral requirements can depend on the specialist, your diagnosis, and your insurance plan. Contact the Kearney clinic to ask whether you need a referral and what records to send before your visit. It is also helpful to check with your insurance company about network coverage, prior authorization, and other requirements.

Can I receive a second opinion in Kearney?

Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center specialists provide second-opinion guidance to help patients better understand a diagnosis and treatment options. When scheduling, ask which records are needed, such as pathology reports, imaging, laboratory results, and treatment summaries. Your care team can determine whether the consultation can take place in Kearney, by telehealth, or in Omaha.

Are cancer clinical trials available in Kearney?

Clinical trial availability changes over time and depends on factors such as cancer type, stage, previous treatment, and overall health. Kearney has local research support and may offer selected trials or connections to studies through the Omaha team. Ask your oncologist whether a clinical trial could be an option.