THE WOODLANDS, Texas - TelAve -- HE WOODLANDS, Texas — As cancer patients across the United States face increasing delays caused by insurance prior authorizations, fragmented care models, and administrative barriers, a growing shift is underway toward physician-led, independent oncology practices that prioritize timely, patient-centered treatment.

North Houston Cancer Clinics (NHCC), an independent hematology and oncology practice serving Huntsville and The Woodlands, is at the forefront of this movement. Founded by board-certified hematologist-oncologist Dr. Elham Abbasi, NHCC was built to address a critical gap in modern cancer care: the need for fast, clinically driven decisions without unnecessary insurer interference.

"Cancer does not wait for paperwork," said Dr. Abbasi. "Delays of weeks or months caused by authorization barriers can directly affect outcomes. Independent oncology allows physicians to act based on medical necessity, not insurance algorithms."

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National data support these concerns. According to the American Medical Association, more than 90 percent of physicians report that prior authorization delays patient care. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have also shown that treatment delays of even four to six weeks are associated with worse survival outcomes across several cancer types.

At North Houston Cancer Clinics, patients benefit from continuity of care under a single physician-led team, faster treatment initiation, and individualized care plans that consider both medical and personal circumstances. This model contrasts sharply with large consolidated systems where care is often fragmented and delayed.

Patients today are more informed and less willing to accept avoidable delays in life-critical treatment. As expectations evolve, independent, community-based oncology practices are increasingly recognized as a modern solution to an outdated system.

"Independent oncology is not a step backward," Dr. Abbasi added. "It is a patient-first model that aligns medical expertise, speed, and compassion — exactly what today's cancer patients are asking for

https://nhcancerclinics.com
https://app.nhcancerclinics.com