The Study Committee on Cancer Care Access convened on May 29, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding cancer care in Georgia, particularly in rural areas. The meeting featured presentations from healthcare professionals, including a video from Dr. Harsha Avias, a hematologist and oncologist based in Dublin, Georgia, who highlighted the pressing challenges faced by cancer care providers in these regions.

Dr. Avias opened his remarks by acknowledging the committee's efforts and expressing concern over the deteriorating state of cancer care access in rural Georgia. He emphasized that the shortage of oncologists is a significant issue, with only about 7% of medical oncologists practicing in rural areas, despite these regions housing 18-20% of the population. He noted that Georgia's training programs produce only seven fellows annually, which is insufficient for a state nearing 11 million residents.

The discussion then shifted to the financial constraints impacting private practices. Dr. Avias explained that many oncologists have transitioned to hospital employment due to inadequate reimbursement rates from insurance companies for private practices. He pointed out that the disparity in reimbursement rates incentivizes hospitals to acquire individual practitioners, further diminishing the number of independent cancer care providers.

Another critical point raised was the burden of insurance company policies, such as prior authorizations and step therapies, which delay necessary treatments and contribute to burnout among oncologists. Dr. Avias described these bureaucratic hurdles as "death by a thousand paper cuts," stressing that they hinder timely patient care.

Infrastructure challenges were also a focal point of the meeting. Dr. Avias highlighted transportation issues, noting that many patients must travel 30 to 50 miles to receive treatment, which can lead to missed appointments and poorer health outcomes. He also mentioned the lack of broadband access in rural areas, which complicates telehealth efforts and limits patient engagement.

In conclusion, Dr. Avias urged the committee to consider solutions that would support independent cancer practices, improve reimbursement structures, and address the systemic barriers faced by rural patients. He underscored the importance of maintaining high-quality, community-based cancer care, which is currently at risk due to these multifaceted challenges. The committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for legislative action to enhance cancer care access in Georgia's rural communities.