Cancer care is complex and coordinated by a multidisciplinary care team that often spans multiple facilities. Optimizing coordination among providers is at the heart of the Rural Oncology Home model.

Important components of the model include:

1. Support Services: Offering support services, including psychological counseling, financial navigation, patient navigation, nutritional advice, physical rehabilitation, and transportation assistance, can help address the holistic needs of cancer patients.

2. Palliative Care: Palliative care is a crucial aspect of cancer care, focusing on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, physical stress, and mental stress of a serious illness, regardless of the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family.

3. Telemedicine and Remote Health Services: Incorporating telemedicine can extend the reach of specialists located in urban centers to rural patients, providing expert consultation and follow-up care remotely.

4. Community Engagement and Education: Engaging the community through education and awareness programs about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options can empower rural populations and improve health outcomes.

5. Partnerships with Urban Cancer Centers: Formal and informal partnerships with established tertiary cancer centers can facilitate access to specialized expertise and a referral system for complex cases.

6. Financial Tools for Rural Health: The 340B Drug Pricing Program and Critical Access Hospital (CAH) reimbursement are two key financial tools designed to support healthcare services in rural and underserved areas. Both programs aim to enhance access to healthcare by providing financial relief or support to eligible hospitals and healthcare providers.