MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Atlantic Health has implemented artificial intelligence technology to improve colonoscopy screening rates and patient engagement, aiming to address gaps in preventive care for colorectal cancer.
The health system partnered with Artera to deploy AI-powered agents that assist with patient outreach, appointment confirmations and preparation guidance for colonoscopy procedures.
Colorectal cancer is expected to cause more than 55,000 deaths in the United States in 2026, according to national estimates. While early detection has a survival rate exceeding 90%, health officials say many eligible adults remain unscreened, often due to the complexity of preparation requirements.
Atlantic Health officials said the AI system is designed to simplify that process and improve patient follow-through.
“We have, within our power, the ability to protect many patients from colorectal cancer, but that starts with screenings, specifically with a colonoscopy,” said Ravish Parekh, MD, gastroenterologist with Atlantic Health. “By delivering personalized, easy-to-understand guidance, we hope to see better patient adherence and more effective exams. This initiative highlights Atlantic Health’s dedication to patient-centered care through innovation.”
Within the first 30 days of implementation, officials reported that 43% of patients contacted by the AI system answered calls and confirmed their identities, while 39% confirmed they would attend their scheduled appointments. About 7% used the system to ask questions about the procedure.
The AI agents contact patients about a week before their appointments, providing reminders, answering common questions and guiding them through preparation steps. The system can respond in multiple languages and is programmed using Atlantic Health’s internal clinical guidelines.
“Colonoscopy prep is uniquely complex – every patient’s journey is different, and there are so many steps to complete before the procedure. After reviewing our internal processes and patient feedback, it was clear there was a real opportunity to improve the experience,” said Orla Seidel, Director of Digital Marketing, Atlantic Health. “We are always striving to expand convenient access to the highest quality care. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about making sure our patients get to the finish line of this potentially life-saving procedure.”
Officials said the technology has also reduced the workload for staff by decreasing time spent on patient calls by 38%, allowing clinical teams to focus more on direct patient care.
“As a pioneer adopter of agentic AI in healthcare and an Artera partner for more than six years, Atlantic Health recognizes that a modern patient journey requires modern, AI-driven solutions to solve decades-old challenges,” said Tom McIntyre, President, Artera. “This is a prime example of agentic AI in practice: satisfied patients, better efficiency, and closed care gaps. By automating the complexities of the colonoscopy journey, we are helping clinicians return to the work they love while no patient falls through the cracks.”
