At OneHealth Nebraska, we are proud to work alongside independent practices that are deeply committed to their patients, their communities and the future of independent medicine. Nebraska Hematology Oncology (NHO) is an exceptional example of what independent medicine can accomplish.
For nearly 30 years, NHO has provided comprehensive cancer care to patients and families in Lincoln and the surrounding region. As the organization approaches its 30th anniversary on May 5, 2027, there is much to celebrate—from tremendous growth and expanded patient support services to a robust clinical research program bringing innovative treatment options directly to patients here in Nebraska.
At the heart of it all is a commitment that has remained constant: providing exceptional, individualized cancer care while remaining fiercely independent.
A One-Stop Shop for Cancer Care
With three locations encompassing a cancer center, support center and radiation oncology facility, NHO has intentionally built a model that addresses far more than a patient’s medical treatment.
Cancer affects nearly every aspect of a patient’s life—and often the lives of those around them. NHO has developed an extensive network of services designed to support those needs.
Patients have access to an in-house genetic counselor, palliative support, four nurse navigators and a social worker. Through a collaboration with GO Physical Therapy, a physical therapist is also available on site for a half day each day. NHO additionally coordinates with a breast prosthesis consultant who visits monthly.
A key priority is identifying patient needs early and connecting individuals and families with resources from the beginning of their cancer journey. NHO’s nurse navigators play an important role in helping patients understand their options, coordinate services and access the support they need.
Caring for the Entire Family
NHO’s approach recognizes that a cancer diagnosis rarely affects only the person receiving treatment.
The organization offers a variety of support groups and programs, including a Widow/Widower Support Group, Brain Fog Support Group and Survivorship 101, a comprehensive nine-week class. Teens also have access to a dedicated Coffee Club.
One of NHO’s most distinctive programs is Hope Huddle, created for children and teens who have an adult loved one going through cancer.
NHO is the only healthcare facility in Lincoln with a licensed child life specialist on staff. Specially trained to help children cope with difficult and potentially traumatic experiences, the child life specialist provides another layer of support to families navigating cancer.
Hope Huddle is one example of NHO’s broader philosophy: treating cancer means caring for the whole patient—and recognizing the needs of the family walking alongside them.
“Fiercely Independent”
Independence isn’t simply part of NHO’s organizational structure. It’s central to how its providers believe healthcare should be delivered.
The organization describes itself as “fiercely independent” because its providers believe independence gives them the flexibility to make decisions based on the individual needs of their patients.
NHO values collaboration and strong relationships throughout the medical community, but its independence allows the organization to remain focused on personalized patient care without being constrained by the priorities of a larger healthcare system.
It’s a philosophy that aligns closely with OneHealth Nebraska’s commitment to strengthening and preserving independent medicine across our state.
And it is a model that continues to grow.
Today, NHO employs approximately 150 people—nearly twice as many as just five years ago. That growth has expanded the organization’s ability to care for a significant volume of patients while maintaining the individualized approach that has defined NHO for nearly three decades.
Bringing Cutting-Edge Clinical Trials to Lincoln
One of the areas NHO is especially proud of—and one that sets the organization apart—is its commitment to clinical research.
NHO has more than 40 in-house clinical trials right here in Lincoln, with approximately 30 studies currently open to enrollment across a wide range of cancers, including myelofibrosis, lung cancer, breast cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, gastric cancer and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
This year alone, NHO has consented 40 patients to clinical trials.
The research department currently includes nine full-time staff members, with five additional team members expected to join in the coming months, bringing the research team to 14 full-time professionals.
In 2023, NHO partnered with Revive Research Institute to establish NHO Revive, the organization’s dedicated research arm. Revive manages much of the behind-the-scenes infrastructure required to conduct clinical trials, including regulatory responsibilities and patient recruitment, while NHO provides patient care and ensures the clinical requirements of each trial are met.
The creation of NHO Revive has helped drive tremendous growth in the organization’s research program and expand access to new treatment options in Lincoln.
NHO was the first site in Nebraska to offer daraxonrasib, an investigational treatment being studied for pancreatic cancer.
The goal behind this work is especially meaningful: bring the type of innovative treatment options patients might expect to find at a large academic medical center to Lincoln, allowing patients to remain closer to their homes, families and support networks.
Removing Barriers to Care
NHO’s comprehensive approach continues well beyond the exam room.
The organization operates its own in-house laboratory and pharmacy, creating additional convenience and continuity for patients.
An 18-member patient financial services team helps patients navigate prior authorizations, health insurance coverage and other financial aspects of treatment. For patients already facing the physical and emotional challenges of cancer, having dedicated professionals available to help navigate those complexities can make an important difference.
NHO also maintains a food pantry for patients experiencing financial hardship. The team collects, maintains and distributes food directly to patients who need additional assistance.
These services reflect the same philosophy found throughout the organization: identify what patients need and find ways to support them.
A Commitment to Quality
NHO’s dedication to patient-centered cancer care has also earned significant recognition.
NHO became the first QOPI Certified cancer program in Nebraska through the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), demonstrating its commitment to meeting rigorous standards for quality cancer care.
In 2022, NHO was also one of just nine oncology practices nationwide to receive an ASCO Patient-Centered Cancer Care certification.
Those achievements reinforce what NHO has spent nearly three decades building: comprehensive cancer care centered around the individual patient.
Celebrating 30 Years of Independent Medicine
On May 5, 2027, Nebraska Hematology Oncology will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
It’s a milestone that represents much more than longevity. It represents decades of caring for Nebraska patients and families, investing in the community, growing a team of approximately 150 employees and continually expanding what high-quality independent cancer care can look like.
From clinical trials and radiation oncology to nurse navigation, child life services, survivorship programs, financial assistance and a patient food pantry, NHO has created a network of care designed around the whole patient and family.
For OneHealth Nebraska, NHO’s story is also a powerful example of why independent medicine matters.
Independence gives practices the ability to innovate, respond to the needs of their communities and build care around the people they serve. Nebraska Hematology Oncology has spent nearly 30 years doing exactly that—and its team remains fiercely committed to continuing that work for years to come.
OneHealth Nebraska is proud to have Nebraska Hematology Oncology as part of our independent healthcare community and congratulates the entire NHO team on the tremendous impact they continue to make for patients and families across Nebraska.