A Bright Future for Community Healthcare in New Mexico

Nexus Health, in collaboration with the government relations team for The US Oncology Network, recently met with key lawmakers in Albuquerque, New Mexico with a clear mission: to emphasize the importance of community care and the accessible, cost-effective healthcare options offered at Nexus’s new multi-specialty clinic. Nexus Health’s services span a variety of specialties, including oncology, hematology, orthopedics, interventional pain, breast surgery, and soon, dermatology.

In contrast to hospital consolidation trends across the United States, Nexus Health has broken away from a hospital system to establish community-based practices that bring care closer to the patients.

In a recent op-ed published in the Santa Fe New Mexican, Dr. Scott Herbert, President of Nexus Health, outlined the rationale for stepping away from the hospital environment to create an independent, diverse medical group focused on delivering comprehensive multispecialty care. Dr. Herbert emphasized the importance of affordable patient care, particularly at a time when chemotherapy treatments can cost a staggering 71% more in a hospital setting compared to a community clinic. By reducing the cost of care, community oncology clinics not only make innovative treatments more accessible to a broader patient base but also empower patients to choose their care provider based on their needs and proximity.

In today’s era of advanced medical care, which allows patients to maintain their daily routines while receiving treatment, it’s critical that patients in New Mexico have timely access to the latest state-of-the-art treatments close to home and at an affordable price.

However, the practice has recently faced unique pressures from a local hospital, which threaten to interfere with patients’ access to community care.

During our two-day visit, advocates from Nexus Health and The US Oncology Network engaged with key leaders and stakeholders in New Mexico to highlight the transformative potential of Nexus Health and the importance of fostering community care. Among those were:

1. Governor Lujan Grisham’s Office
2. Representative Gail Chasey (D – Bernalillo) – Majority Leader
3. Senator Michael Padilla (D – Bernalillo) – Majority Whip
4. Senator Antonio Maestas (D – Bernalillo) – Member of Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee
5. Senator Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-Bernalillo) – Member of Senate Judiciary Committee
6. Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Bernalillo) – Member of the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee
7. Representative Liz Thompson (D – Bernalillo) – Chair of House Health and Human Services Committee
8. Representative Pamelya Herndon (D – Bernalillo) – Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Committee
9. Representative Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe)
10. Representative Patricia Lundstrom (D-McKinley)
11. New Mexico Medical Society Leadership

Nexus Health is at the forefront of an evolving health care landscape and is proud to champion accessible, cost-effective health care for New Mexicans. As we continue to collaborate with state leaders, New Mexicans can look forward to a healthier tomorrow, with community care leading the way.