Transforming Colorectal Cancer Screening: Leveraging Technology and Workflow Optimization to Drive Higher Detection Rates

Evara Health, one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Florida, serves nearly 70,000 patients across 19 clinical sites in Pinellas County. Like many U.S. health systems, Evara Health experienced a decline in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, dropping to just 29% in 2020. Initial efforts to close the gap included mailing fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) to patients; however, screening rates remained low, reaching only 33% by 2022. In 2023, Evara Health worked with Exact Sciences to implement a unified colorectal cancer screening program anchored by the Cologuard® test as the first-line option for average-risk patients aged 50-75, later expanded to 45-75 with updated guidelines in 2024. Through a combination of bidirectional EHR integration, bulk ordering capabilities, and coordinated outreach across departments, Evara Health achieved a 52% increase in screening rates within one year—and a 72% increase over four years.