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Demonstrated success with our collaborations

Each collaboration with us is unique and maximizes the potential to get more patients screened for colorectal cancer (CRC).
Case study: Optimus Health

Optimus Health Care saw a 23% increase in CRC screening rates from 39% (2023) to 48% (2024) within an eligible patient population of ~9K.1

Case study summary
Optimus Health Care*
Overview

Optimus Health Care, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving underserved communities in Connecticut, collaborated with Exact Sciences to address low colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates, which stood at just 39% in early 2023.

By implementing a team-based intervention centered around Cologuard® testing for average-risk patients, Optimus empowered medical assistants to initiate pre-visit screening orders, developed shared decision-making tools, and conducted regular audits to ensure compliance.

Results
Their efforts led to a significant increase in monthly test orders and a rise in screening adherence from 39% in early 2023 to 48% by 2024. The initiative not only improved early cancer detection but also demonstrated the power of integrated care, data-driven feedback, and sustainable workflow redesign in advancing health equity.
How they did it
  • Acknowledging the challenges patients faced in accessing colonoscopies (time off work, transportation, and prep), Optimus shifted to offering the Cologuard test to eligible patients to help remove logistical barriers.
  • To address significant health literacy challenges among its patient population, Optimus developed a suite of tailored educational tools to support colorectal cancer screening. The resources were designed to meet patients at their level of understanding and were based on health needs assessments designed to understand literacy levels among the population. This patient-centered strategy was critical in improving engagement and return rates for at-home screening kits.
  • Optimus implemented a comprehensive workflow redesign that empowered the entire care team. Medical assistants (MAs), nurses, and RN care coordinators were trained as a CRC care team to identify average-risk patients during pre-visit planning, generate Cologuard orders for clinician review and signature, and educate patients using videos and printed materials. This team-based approach ensured that preventive care was addressed during every visit.
  • Optimus started with a pilot at a single site to allow for iterative improvements, manageable auditing, and staff training before expanding to additional clinics. The phased rollout ensured consistency and buy-in across teams.
  • Optimus took a patient-centered approach to improve engagement and outcomes – emphasizing the importance of tailoring interventions to the unique needs of their patients.

Building on their success increasing screening compliance from 39% to 48%, Optimus Health Care now aims to reach 54% by the end of 2025, with a long-term goal of 65%.

Case study: Privia Health

Privia Health’s technology-driven CRC screening program raised MSSP patient screening rates from 79% to 84% in one year, exceeding national benchmarks.2

Case study summary
Privia Health*
Overview
Privia Health, a national physician enablement company, collaborated with Exact Sciences and Amalgam Rx to launch a scalable, tech-enabled colorectal cancer (CRC) screening initiative across its network. The program leveraged electronic health record (EHR) automation, patient outreach, and Cologuard® test integration to boost access and reduce clinician burden.
Results
In just one year, CRC screening rates for Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) patients in the Texas Gulf Coast and Georgia markets increased from 79% to 84% exceeding national goals. The initiative expanded nationwide in 2024 and has helped improve screening rates and optimize workflows with minimal staff lift.
How they did it
  • Adopted a Cologuard-first approach for average-risk patients 45 and older, positioning it as the primary noninvasive screening option to reduce barriers to CRC screening
  • Collaborated with Exact Sciences and Amalgam Rx to automate CRC workflows in athenaClinicals®, enabling automatic bulk Cologuard test ordering, results delivery, and patient tracking
  • Used a clinical decision support (CDS) platform tool to identify eligible patients, trigger personalized email and text outreach, and automate standing test orders for non-responders
  • Reached 42,270 patients in under 18 months, resulting in 26,000+ test kit orders and over 5,500 completed screenings
  • Maintained ongoing pod meetings and clinical advisory councils to capture feedback and continuously refine workflows
  • Developed a targeted incentive program to encourage clinician adoption while adhering to regulatory guidance
  • Enabled flexible implementation strategies. Texas phased its rollout while Georgia adopted a comprehensive launch. Both achieved significant uptake


Privia Health’s data driven, patient centric approach has proven successful in driving preventive care engagement and improving population health outcomes.

Case study: Evara Health

Evara Health’s efforts resulted in a remarkable 52% and 72% increase in CRC screening rates over 1 year and 4 years, respectively.3

Case study summary

Evara Health*

Overview

Evara Health, a leading FQHC, partnered with Exact Sciences to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates through bulk test ordering, multilingual outreach, and system-wide engagement. By enhancing efficiency and prioritizing health equity, they expanded access to screening and strengthened preventive care efforts.

Results

Evara Health achieved a 72% increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates over four years, rising from 29% in 2020 to 50% in 2024. Within the first year of implementing its enhanced screening program, rates jumped 52%, from 33% in 2023 to 50% in 2024.

How they did it

  • Evara Health integrated Epic Aura™ EHR with Exact Sciences, automating test ordering and result delivery. Bulk ordering enabled the distribution of 12,000+ Cologuard® kits, significantly increasing access.
  • A strategic approach using texts, calls, and letters in English and Spanish helped engage more patients. Screening reminders were also incorporated into waiting room TVs, newsletters, and social media.
  • Daily huddles kept teams focused on screening goals and patient lists. All patient-facing staff—including nurses, call center representatives, and front desk personnel—used consistent scripts to reinforce screening importance.
  • Evara Health expanded screening access for uninsured patients through a grant-funded Cologuard program. Data-driven reports helped identify care gaps and target high-risk populations, ensuring equitable access to preventive care.

Evara Health’s data-driven, patient-centered approach continues to drive progress toward its 80% screening goal in 2028.

Case study: Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH)

The CRC screening rate for NCH grew by 23% from 2018 to 2022.4

Case study summary
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH)*
Overview
Following the transition to a new EHR system and a comprehensive review of their CRC screening processes (in collaboration with Exact Sciences), NCH was able to improve their CRC screening rates.4
Results
As of 2022, NCH reported that 80.15% of eligible patients had undergone CRC screening. Compared with a 2018 review, it represented a +23% improvement in screening rates at NCH.
How they did it
  • Introduced several workflow enhancements aimed at proactively identifying patients eligible for CRC screening, facilitating discussions between patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) about appropriate screening options, and simplifying the ordering of screening tests.
  • Enacted several strategies, including comprehensive training and onboarding at the onset, as well as a mentorship program to support the transition across clinical sites.
Case study: Geisinger Health

“Our system is happy we made this choice because it will set up our patients for success at a time when staffing resources are severely curtailed.”5

—Cybele Pacheco, MD, Director of Senior Focused Care, Geisinger Health
Case study summary
Geisinger Health*
Overview
Geisinger Health prioritized the Cologuard® test as its first-line noninvasive option for average-risk patients5
Results
Achieved 70% colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates
How they did it
  • Drove engagement and alignment across internal stakeholders
  • Supported informed decision-making with actionable tools
  • Developed systematic quality improvement protocols via health information technology (HIT) utilization and electronic health record (EHR) optimization
Case study: Sanitas Medical Center

The CRC screening rate for Sanitas Medical Center grew from 34% in 2018 to 72% by 2022.6

Case study summary
Sanitas Medical Center*
Overview
Sanitas Medical Center reached eligible patients in a diverse community through a multidisciplinary CRC screening program6
Results
111% increase in CRC screening rates in less than 4 years
How they did it
  • Educated and communicated to patients in their native language
  • Established an Electronic Health Record (EHR) interface that allowed providers to order tests and receive results directly into patients’ charts
  • Identified and reviewed key CRC screening performance metrics and aligned results against the company’s quality goals
Case study: Bedford-Stuyvesant Family Health Center

Bedford-Stuyvesant Family Health Center increased overall CRC screening rates by 23% and doubled screening among patients aged 45–49 through targeted outreach and patient-centered workflows.7

Case study summary
Bedford-Stuyvesant Family Health Center*
Overview
Bedford-Stuyvesant (BSFHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Brooklyn, NY, serves over 17,000 patients annually across three locations. From 2022 to 2024, BSFHC implemented a multifaceted CRC screening initiative to address barriers among underserved patients. The center collaborated with Exact Sciences and used eClinicalWorks® EHR and Azara Healthcare tools to identify eligible patients and deliver Cologuard® tests. A collaborative care team model, data-driven outreach, and on-site support helped drive improvements in awareness, access, and adherence.
Results
CRC screening rates increased from 48% in 2022 to 59% in 2024, with screening among patients aged 45–49 doubling from 18% to 36%. In-person education and expanded access to Cologuard tests contributed to a 95% test completion rate during clinic visits, compared to around 50% for mailed kits.
How they did it
  • Integrated Exact Sciences as a lab within eClinicalWorks for streamlined test ordering via eFax.
  • Used Azara DRVS and APO to identify eligible patients, send targeted text messages, and manage outreach.
  • Established a four-tier care team approach (clinicians, nurses, medical assistants, QI staff) to provide education and support.
  • Leveraged patient navigation tools and Cologuard demonstration kits during visits to improve understanding and adherence.
  • Helped coordinate UPS® scheduling, on-site drop-offs, and staff-assisted returns to remove logistical barriers.
Case study: State of Franklin Healthcare

Streamlining Cologuard® Test Order and Results with Veradigm + Exact Sciences8

Case study summary
State of Franklin Healthcare*
Streamlining Cologuard® Test Orders and Results with Veradigm + Exact Sciences8
Overview
State of Franklin Healthcare, a multi-specialty physician practice in Johnson City, TN, with over 280 providers, faced inefficiencies ordering Exact Sciences’ Cologuard® tests. Manual, fax-based processes created delays, errors, and unnecessary administrative burden. Collaborating with Exact Sciences and Veradigm, one of many EHR vendors supported by Exact Sciences’ lab connectivity solutions, the practice integrated Veradigm’s Diagnostic Ordering and Results Network (DORN) into their EHR. This automated ordering and results retrieval, eliminating manual work and improving accuracy.
Results
The integration reduced test order time from more than 30 minutes to just 5 minutes, while saving an additional 10–15 minutes on results retrieval. Patients often received results in under a week, improving turnaround times and overall care. Workflows were streamlined, errors reduced, and provider satisfaction improved significantly.
How they did it
  • Collaborated closely with the technical team to ensure adoption and smooth workflows, with oversight to confirm system readiness and a seamless transition.
  • A phased rollout across seven clinics in two months allowed for structured training and staged implementation, supported by hands-on guidance.
  • Veradigm’s DORN connected directly through the existing EHR, automating Cologuard test orders and results tracking. This eliminated fax-based communication, reduced errors from incomplete data, and enabled providers to retrieve results directly within the system.
Exact Sciences accelerated lab connectivity by 117% in 6 months using Veradigm's Diagnostic Ordering and Results Network.9

Exact Sciences is committed to helping health systems simplify workflows and accelerate patient care through scalable EHR integrations.

Smiling customer service representative talking to someone with a headset on.
Support for health system providers and patients
  • Our Patient Navigation Program (in English and Spanish) can help improve screening rates (observed 22% increase10*  ) by providing reminders and resources to help patients successfully complete screening
  • Dedicated Customer Care Center to get information related to orders, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) concerns, or other screening questions
  • We have extensive resources to inform, educate, and guide your providers and patients. Download our example screening options flyer in English or Spanish.
  1. Based on internal data from February 11, 2022, to September 5, 2022, that compared eligible patients who received outreach from the patient navigation program with a small control sample that did not in order to evaluate program effectiveness.10

Important Information about the Cologuard products


Indications for Use

The Cologuard® and Cologuard Plus™ tests are intended for the qualitative detection of colorectal neoplasia associated DNA markers and for the presence of occult hemoglobin in human stool. A positive result may indicate the presence of colorectal cancer (CRC) or advanced adenoma (AA)/advanced precancerous lesions (APL) and should be followed by a colonoscopy. The Cologuard test and Cologuard Plus test are indicated to screen adults of either sex, 45 years or older, who are at average risk for CRC. These tests are not a replacement for diagnostic colonoscopy or surveillance colonoscopy in high-risk individuals.

Contraindications

The Cologuard products are not for high-risk individuals, including patients who have the following:

  • a personal history of colorectal cancer and adenomas
  • a positive result from another colorectal cancer screening method within a test recommended timeframe
  • have been diagnosed with a condition associated with high risk for colorectal cancer such as IBD, chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease
  • have a family history of colorectal cancer, or certain hereditary syndromes

Warnings and Precautions

All positive results should be referred to colonoscopy.

The Cologuard products may produce false positive and false negative results. A false positive result occurs when a result is positive, even though a colonoscopy will not find CRC or APL. A false negative result occurs when a result is negative, even when a colonoscopy identifies APL or CRC.

A negative result does not guarantee the absence of colorectal cancer or advanced adenoma. Following a negative result, patients should continue participating in a screening program at an interval and with a method appropriate for the individual patient. Performance when used for repeat testing has not been established.

Refer to the Cologuard test Clinician Brochure or the Cologuard Plus test Clinician Brochure for additional information about the benefits and risks of using each version of the Cologuard product for CRC screening.

Rx only.