AI-Supported Direct Access Colonoscopy | June 2026-Presentation Slides

Presentation Slides

Pdf Summary

The webinar, “AI-supported Open Access Endoscopy Practice Operations,” presented how The Oregon Clinic GI successfully used an AI virtual assistant to improve its Direct Access Colonoscopy (DAC) workflow. Historically, DAC scheduling relied on 30–40 minute phone screening calls by nurses or medical assistants, which created inefficiencies, missed calls, rescheduling, staff burden, and backlogs.<br /><br />To address this, the clinic partnered with a local healthcare AI company to automate the intake questionnaire process. Patients identified through EHR referral filtering receive a portal notification, text, or email link to complete a 10–15 minute intake at their convenience. The AI organizes responses into a concise summary and risk category, helping staff determine whether the patient can be approved for scheduling, needs clarification or physician review, or should be directed to an office visit.<br /><br />Implementation began with a pilot and PDSA cycle, followed by ongoing training, frequent vendor meetings, and process adjustments. Key launch steps included building the questionnaire, setting reminder methods, training staff, and establishing reporting and scheduling workflows. The team emphasized the importance of follow-up communication for non-responders, such as phone calls, portal messages, mailed letters, and QR codes.<br /><br />Results showed labor cost reductions over time and smoother operations after initial slow patient response. The presenters noted that careful coordination, patience, and repeated refinement of source data and workflows were critical to success. They also described additional potential uses for the AI tool, including recalls, marketing QR codes, website integration, clinical research support, and scribing.

Keywords

AI-supported endoscopy

open access colonoscopy

direct access colonoscopy

virtual assistant

intake questionnaire

workflow automation

EHR referral filtering

patient scheduling

PDSA cycle

labor cost reduction