Englewood Health Shows Success Using Text Messaging Campaigns to Close Care Gaps

Campaigns have driven thousands to schedule cancer screenings and routine check-ups  

February 19, 2025 – Englewood Health’s innovative text messaging campaigns are helping more people stay on top of important health screenings, like those for colorectal, lung, and breast cancer, as well as connecting with a primary care provider.

Unlike simple appointment reminders, these ongoing campaigns actively identify patients who are overdue for screenings or check-ups and make it easy for them to take action right away.

Patients can book an appointment in just a few clicks through a self-scheduling link or call a central phone number if they prefer to speak with someone directly. By offering multiple ways to schedule, Englewood Health ensures that everyone has access to care in a way that works best for them. Notably, these campaigns have very low opt-out rates, showing that patients find them helpful and are encouraged to take charge of their health.

Highlighted at the 2024 American College of Surgeons Cancer Conference, Englewood Health’s initiatives demonstrate the power of digital tools and tailored messaging to enhance early detection and improve health outcomes.

“Our data shows that simple, timely reminders can save lives,” says Stephen Brunnquell, MD, president of the Englewood Health Physician Network. “From cancer screenings to physical exams, these campaigns ensure patients stay on top of their health and help us close critical care gaps in our communities.”

Englewood Health’s text reminder campaigns in 2024 included:

Breast Cancer Screening

Two breast cancer screening campaigns with highly successful results were conducted throughout the year. Englewood Health pushed out text notifications to over 48,000 patients who were due for a first-time screening mammogram. Of the patients receiving the text, five percent responded by scheduling a mammogram often through self-scheduling directly from the text message. And during a text campaign to over 11,600 patients who were overdue for a mammogram, nearly 20 percent scheduled their breast imaging appointment after text reminders.  

Colorectal Cancer Screening

For a campaign aimed at patients due for a first-time colonoscopy, Englewood Health sent text messages to more than 31,000 eligible patients, reminding them to schedule this routine screening for colorectal cancer. As a result, over 1,000 patients have completed a colonoscopy, and many more have opted for Cologuard or scheduled future screenings.

Lung Cancer Screening

Englewood Health sent text messages to more than 7,800 eligible patients for a lung cancer screening test. Notably, nearly 10 percent of patients responded and booked a consultation for a referral for low-dose CT screening. In many cases, patients self-scheduled through their patient portal.

Primary Care Appointments

A campaign for patients 50-64 years old who had not seen a primary care provider in three years has also launched. The text enables patients to conveniently self-schedule a physical exam with an available provider. Nearly 8,400 patients have received text messages so far and nearly 1,300 responded by booking an appointment. With over 50,000 additional patients eligible for this outreach and an 8% scheduling rate, the potential impact on community health is substantial, ensuring more individuals receive the care they need to stay healthy and informed.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

In March, Englewood Health will launch its next digital campaign, which will focus on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening for at-risk patients (men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked).

“Based on the success of these campaigns, digital outreach is evolving as a key part of our patient outreach efforts throughout the communities we serve,” adds Kimeta Palamar, senior director of digital strategy and innovation at Englewood Health. “We want to remind our patients of important screenings, close care gaps, and improve long-term outcomes.”