Moffitt Expands AI Oncology Program, Redefining Patient Support
- 7,000 patient interactions logged in the initial phase
- 97% of encounters resolved independently by oncology-trained clinicians
- 2.4% of interactions resulted in emergency department referrals
Experts conclude that AI-enabled virtual oncology programs significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce emergency visits, and optimize resource allocation, setting a new standard for chronic care management.
Moffitt and Reimagine Care Expand AI Program, Redefining Oncology Support
NASHVILLE, TN – May 21, 2026 – Moffitt Cancer Center, in partnership with Reimagine Care, today announced a significant expansion of its AI-enabled virtual oncology program. The decision follows a highly successful initial implementation that produced strong results in patient engagement, symptom management, and a marked reduction in emergency room visits, setting a new precedent for how cancer care is delivered outside hospital walls.
The expanded collaboration will extend a hybrid care model—which combines a 24/7 virtual oncology team with an AI-powered assistant named Remi—to more patients across additional Moffitt locations. This move signals a strategic shift, leveraging technology not to replace human interaction, but to amplify it, ensuring patients receive continuous, compassionate support throughout their treatment journey.
A New Model for Patient Support
At the heart of the program is a simple yet profound goal: to bridge the gaps in care that patients often experience between their scheduled appointments. Cancer care has traditionally operated on what Reimagine Care CEO Dan Nardi calls “snapshots from scheduled visits,” leaving patients to navigate symptoms and side effects alone during the crucial periods in between.
The Reimagine Care model addresses this by providing a constant connection. Patients interact with Remi, an AI assistant that uses conversational language for proactive check-ins, symptom tracking, and guiding them through evidence-based care pathways. This technology enables more frequent and structured touchpoints, capturing clinically relevant data in real time.
The results from the initial phase are compelling. The program logged nearly 7,000 patient interactions, and an astounding 97% of these encounters were resolved independently by Reimagine Care’s dedicated oncology-trained clinicians without needing to escalate to Moffitt providers. This efficiency directly translated into better outcomes and less strain on the system:
- Only 2.4% of interactions resulted in a referral to the emergency department.
- 94% of symptom management issues were resolved virtually, allowing patients to remain comfortably at home.
- Patient engagement rates were exceptionally high, starting at 99% in the first month and sustaining at 63% after six months—more than triple the typical industry retention rate for similar digital health programs.
Patients themselves have validated the model’s success, reporting an average satisfaction score of 9.3 out of 10. They frequently praised the high-touch, responsive nature of the virtual care team and the reassuring consistency of Remi’s check-ins.
Addressing Systemic Challenges in Oncology
The partnership's expansion is not merely a response to good data; it is a strategic answer to the mounting pressures facing modern cancer care. Rising patient volumes, an impending shortage of oncologists, and the increasing complexity of treatments are creating significant capacity constraints for health systems nationwide.
Unmanaged symptoms are a primary driver of costly and stressful emergency department visits and hospitalizations for cancer patients. Many of these events are preventable with timely intervention. Hybrid care models like the one at Moffitt offer a scalable solution, extending the reach of clinical teams without a proportional increase in staffing demands.
“Our focus is on delivering high quality cancer care throughout the patient journey,” said Dr. Tim Hembree, vice president and Chief Quality Officer at Moffitt Cancer Center. “This approach allows care teams to maintain visibility into patients’ needs between visits, respond earlier when issues arise and provide more consistent support.”
By effectively managing patient needs remotely, the program frees up oncologists and in-person staff to focus on the most complex cases, optimizing resource allocation and reducing administrative burden. This operational revolution is critical for cancer centers aiming to provide high-quality care sustainably.
The Economic and Human Impact
The benefits of this virtual oncology model extend beyond clinical metrics, creating significant economic and human value. For health systems, the ROI is clear. By preventing avoidable emergency visits and hospitalizations, the program directly reduces the total cost of care. One study on a similar virtual navigation program found total cost savings of $429 per participant per month.
For patients, the impact is arguably even more profound. A study published in JAMA Network Open by Moffitt researchers found that a single telehealth visit saved cancer patients between $147 and $186 in indirect costs, including travel expenses and lost wages. Over thousands of visits, these savings translate into millions of dollars and thousands of hours saved, mitigating the severe financial toxicity that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis.
Beyond the financial relief, the program enhances quality of life. The ability to manage symptoms from home, avoid exhausting trips to the hospital, and feel continuously supported provides invaluable peace of mind to patients and their families during a profoundly challenging time.
A Blueprint for the Future of Chronic Care
Moffitt's commitment to this program is part of a much broader strategic vision to lead the digital transformation of cancer care. As an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a host of the national CancerX initiative, Moffitt is actively fostering an ecosystem of innovation. The center’s recent collaborations with technology giants like NVIDIA and digital pathology leader PathAI underscore its dedication to integrating AI and machine learning across the entire spectrum of cancer research and delivery.
The success of the Reimagine Care partnership serves as a powerful case study, not just for oncology but for the future of chronic disease management. The principles of continuous monitoring, proactive intervention, and a hybrid human-AI approach could be applied to conditions like heart failure, diabetes, and COPD.
“A continuous signal on how someone is doing allows care teams to intervene earlier, manage symptoms more effectively, and reduce avoidable escalation,” noted Nardi. “The only way to sustain that level of visibility is by combining clinical teams with always-on AI that stays engaged with patients… That’s how you extend high-quality oncology care beyond the clinic and make it work at scale.”
While the regulatory environment for AI in healthcare continues to evolve, the momentum is undeniable. With growing support for telehealth reimbursement and a clear demonstration of improved outcomes and efficiency, this model of care is poised to become the new standard, harnessing technology to make healthcare profoundly more human and accessible for all.
📝 This article is still being updated
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