Move quickly, but cautiously in outpatient cancer care.

In an ever-evolving environment of shrinking reimbursement, existing out-patient oncology programs may need to be re-evaluated, reconfigured and readied for what is likely to be an increasingly fiercer fight for profitability. Similarly, hospitals contemplating entering this market must act soon. The best opportunities exist for those hospitals that can establish themselves within the next few years. Consumer and physician demand for consolidated cancer services cannot be ignored. Now is the time to capture the loyalty of this significant market. And despite there being no guarantee of big and easy profits, hospitals that refuse to expand their cancer services to meet demand will surely be left behind.