Increasing Cancer Screenings at Islands Community Medical Services

With financial support from MCF, Islands Community Medical Services will hire an Outreach Medical Assistant (MA) who will proactively reach out to patients that may be overdue for specific cancer screenings. This approach will be based on a successful model that was developed and implemented by Penobscot Community Health Care, going back to 2013. The Outreach MA will: 1) Identify patients with gaps-in-care or those that will be coming due for their cancer screenings; 2) schedule appropriate tests/referrals (if patients are willing); 3) work to identify barriers that may be preventing patients from obtaining tests (inadequate insurance, transportation, fear, etc.); 4) collaborate with care managers or other social service agencies to reduce any barriers; and 4) help patients explore alternative test options and care management strategies.