Title: COA Community Oncology Conference Explores AI, Bispecifics, CAR T, Reimbursement, Radiation Oncology, and Patient Access Strategies

When the Community Oncology Alliance announced its 2026 conference theme—“Innovation in Practice”—it wasn’t just another industry headline. For community oncology providers across the country, from rural clinics in the Midwest to urban centers like Orlando, Florida, where the event will accept place April 28–29, this focus on translating breakthroughs into real-world care hits close to home. The source material makes it clear: the conference will tackle AI integration, the rollout of bispecific antibodies and CAR T-cell therapies in community settings, reimbursement models, radiation oncology advances and patient access strategies. These aren’t abstract concepts; they’re daily challenges for the independent practices that form the backbone of cancer care delivery in the United States.

Orlando, as the host city, brings its own context to this conversation. Home to major cancer programs like those at Orlando Health Cancer Institute and MD Anderson Cancer Center at Orlando Health, the city sits at a crossroads of cutting-edge research and community-based care. The presence of Moffitt Cancer Center’s Orlando location—though physically in Tampa, its network extends deeply into Central Florida—means local oncologists often collaborate across academic and community lines. This blending of environments makes Orlando a logical focal point for discussing how innovations developed in major cancer centers can be adapted and implemented in everyday practice settings, especially given Florida’s diverse population mix of retirees, seasonal residents, and growing urban communities.

Digging deeper, the push for AI in oncology isn’t new, but its application in community settings remains uneven. Larger systems have piloted AI tools for radiology analysis, pathology triage, and even predicting treatment toxicity, but smaller independent practices often lack the IT infrastructure or data science support to adopt them. The COA conference aims to bridge that gap by showcasing practical, scalable AI applications—think algorithms that flag high-risk patients for early intervention using EHR data already collected during routine visits, or natural language processing tools that extract social determinants of health from clinical notes to improve care coordination. These aren’t futuristic ideas; they’re adaptations of existing technologies being tested in pilot programs across states like Texas and North Carolina, where community networks have partnered with medical schools to share analytical resources.

Similarly, the community rollout of bispecifics and CAR T represents a seismic shift. Just five years ago, these advanced immunotherapies were almost exclusively administered in academic medical centers due to complexity, toxicity monitoring needs, and manufacturing logistics. Now, with FDA approvals expanding and newer agents offering improved safety profiles, community oncologists are increasingly expected to manage these therapies closer to patients’ homes. This shift demands new protocols: standardized cytokine release syndrome (CRS) management plans, coordination with nearby emergency departments for rapid response, and partnerships with specialized pharmacies capable of handling complex biologics. The conference will likely highlight models emerging from places like the Carolinas, where regional oncology networks have created shared CAR T training programs and centralized toxicity response teams serving multiple community clinics.

Reimbursement and access strategies form the third pillar of the discussion. Innovation means little if patients can’t afford it or if practices go bankrupt delivering it. The source material notes reimbursement as a key topic—a nod to the ongoing tension between fee-for-service pressures and value-based care experiments. In Florida, where a significant portion of oncology patients are Medicare beneficiaries, changes to CMS payment models—like the proposed Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM)—could reshape how community practices are compensated for care coordination, clinical trial participation, and end-of-life discussions. Local leaders will be watching closely how Orlando-based groups adapt, especially given the state’s unique mix of fee-for-service dominance and growing Medicare Advantage penetration.

Given my background in healthcare systems analysis, if this trend toward innovation in community oncology impacts you in Orlando, here are the three types of local professionals you need to know about—and exactly what to look for when hiring them.

First, seek out Healthcare IT Consultants specializing in interoperable oncology EHR optimization. These aren’t general tech support folks; look for consultants with proven experience integrating AI-assisted tools—like predictive analytics modules for chemotherapy toxicity or NLP-based symptom tracking—into platforms such as Epic or Cerner used by Florida oncology groups. They should understand FHIR standards for data exchange and have references from similar-sized community practices in the Southeast who’ve successfully piloted decision-support tools without disrupting workflow. Ask for case studies showing measurable reductions in symptom burden or ER visits through algorithm-driven outreach.

Second, connect with Oncology Pharmacy Navigators who focus on access to advanced therapies. As bispecifics and CAR T move into community settings, the role of pharmacists expands beyond dispensing to include prior authorization mastery, manufacturer support program navigation, and toxicity monitoring coordination. The best candidates will have BCNP (Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist) credentials, direct relationships with specialty distributors like AmerisourceBergen or McKesson Specialty, and experience setting up same-day infusion protocols that reduce hospital admissions. They should also be fluent in Florida-specific Medicaid prior auth nuances and knowledgeable about local foundations offering copay assistance for Central Florida residents.

Third, engage Healthcare Policy and Reimbursement Strategists familiar with Florida’s evolving oncology landscape. These professionals—often former CMS contractors or state Medicaid analysts—help practices navigate shifts like the EOM, MIPS adjustments for oncology, or changes to Medicare Part B drug reimbursement. Look for individuals who publish regularly in journals like JAMA Oncology or Health Affairs on community oncology finance, have testified before Florida legislative committees on healthcare innovation, and can model the financial impact of adopting new therapies under different payment scenarios. Crucially, they should understand how Florida’s high Medicare Advantage enrollment alters risk-sharing dynamics compared to other states.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated us experts in the Orlando area today.