How Atlantic Health is Bridging the Colonoscopy Screening Gap Through AI Innovation

Closing the Screening Gap in Colorectal Cancer Using AI

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health crisis in the United States, with projections indicating it will cause over 55,000 deaths in 2026 alone. Early detection is critical, as the survival rate for early-stage CRC can exceed 90%. Despite this, nearly a third of eligible adults have not been screened, primarily due to the complicated preparation that colonoscopy requires.

To combat this, Atlantic Health, a major health care provider in northern New Jersey and its neighboring areas, has taken innovative steps by collaborating with Artera—an AI-powered health technology firm. This partnership marked Atlantic Health's inaugural venture into using AI for patient engagement, specifically targeting the colonoscopy screening process.

The Unique Challenges of Colonoscopy Prep

Preparing for a colonoscopy is a complex process that involves multiple steps. This complexity can confuse patients, which unfortunately leads to high cancellation and no-show rates for scheduled procedures. Recognizing this problem, Atlantic Health aimed to simplify patient preparation and significantly enhance adherence to screening protocols.

The health system's initiative focuses on leveraging Artera's AI agents, which would simplify communication with patients by providing clear and personalized information about the colonoscopy process. The implementation of this AI technology has made a considerable impact within the first month. According to their initial report:
43% of reached patients confirmed their identities during outreach calls made by the AI agent.
39% of those contacted expressed their intent to attend their scheduled colonoscopy appointments.
* 7% of patients engaged with the AI by inquiring about the procedure, demonstrating a proactive approach to their health.