North Platte, Neb. – Great Plains Health has introduced an innovative single-visit breast cancer care model, one of only a few of its kind in Nebraska, designed to reduce stress, improve care coordination, and bring clarity to a breast cancer diagnosis. Available through the Great Plains Health Breast Center, the model brings an entire team of breast cancer specialists together in one coordinated appointment.
Rather than facing multiple appointments across different days and locations, patients meet with their full care team, which may include a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgeon, nurse navigator, financial counselor, and support staff, in a single visit.
“We don’t want our patients to worry about travel, logistics, or scheduling,” said Dr. Laxmi Narayana Buddharaju, board-certified medical oncologist and medical director of the Great Plains Health Callahan Cancer Center. “We want them to focus on healing. This model is the result of a true team effort. Physicians, nurses, and support staff came together to make it possible.”
Dr. Buddharaju collaborated closely with colleagues across the Callahan Cancer Center to develop the single-visit model, including radiation oncologist Dr. Todd Hlavaty and patient RN navigators Carmen Schmoldt and Terry Martin, as well as Great Plains Health General Surgery’s Dr. Jacob Wiesen.
“We know the Breast Center will have a powerful, positive impact on patients,” said Dr. Wiesen. “It’s incredible to offer this kind of resource to Greater Nebraskans. It’s not available in many parts of the state, and yet here it is, right in our own backyard.”
Ivan Mitchell, chief executive officer at Great Plains Health, adds that the model is focused on providing support where it is needed, close to home.
“It reflects our commitment to delivering convenient, quality care and ensuring every patient feels seen, supported, and confident in their next steps,” said Mitchell. “It allows patients to walk in with uncertainty and walk out with a personalized care plan.”
Dr. Hlavaty emphasizes how the model addresses the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.
“Our single-visit model helps eliminate uncertainty by bringing the entire care team together in one day,” said Dr. Hlavaty. “Patients leave with both a clear plan and a sense of reassurance. It’s another way we’re putting the patient first – always, while continuing to innovate and deliver compassionate, coordinated care.”
The coordinated visit includes:
- Building a support team with a dedicated patient navigator
- Meeting with the full care team based on the patient’s needs
- Developing a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan
- Coordinating follow-up appointments and ongoing care
Terry Martin, RN, plays a central role as patient navigator in supporting each woman through the process.
“From the moment a woman walks through our doors, we’re with her every step of the way,” said Martin, a cancer survivor herself. 
In addition, the Great Plains Health Breast Center offers specialized oncology rehabilitation tailored to the unique needs of breast cancer patients. The program, which is the only one of its kind in the region, supports patients before surgery with personalized activity guidelines, confidence-building strategies, and post-operation education. After surgery, rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and function, helping patients return to daily activities with greater ease. The program includes innovative technology that monitors the lymphatic system to identify early signs of lymphedema, a common condition that can develop after treatment.
The Callahan Cancer Center also offers a monthly breast cancer support group for women seeking encouragement and community. The group meets the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the hospital’s Conference Room A. Registration is required and can be made by calling 308.568.7544.
The Great Plains Health Breast Center is located within the Great Plains Health Callahan Cancer Center, which is accredited by both the Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI), affirming its commitment to comprehensive, high-quality, and patient-centered care.
To learn more about the single-visit breast cancer care model or register for the support group, visit gphealth.org/services/cancer-care/breastcenter/
