{"id":7689,"date":"2026-01-09T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7689"},"modified":"2026-01-09T15:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T15:30:00","slug":"artificial-intelligence-increases-efficiency-and-quality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7689","title":{"rendered":"Artificial intelligence increases efficiency and quality"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2026-01-09T15:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

For procedures like colonoscopies \u00a0<\/h2>\n

A decade ago, only a small number of specialists talked about Artificial intelligence<\/a> (AI) regularly, and even then, it was surrounded by uncertainty. Now, AI shows up in almost every corner of daily life\u2014from simple chat tools students use for homework to advanced applications in health care, research and national defense. It has become part of how many industries work, including medicine.<\/p>\n

At VA, AI is not a new concept. VA has used AI-assisted technology during colonoscopies for several years. Asheville VA Gastroenterologist Dr. Douglas Boyce was one of the first to advocate for bringing this technology to the facility after learning about its potential benefits for patients.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the push was to see if it had an impact on the quality of procedures and the quality of outcomes for patients,\u201d Boyce said. \u201cIt really comes down to whether you can prevent cancer and provide good care. In many ways, VA was ahead of the curve in getting it implemented.\u201d<\/p>\n

AI helps clinicians conduct more precise and consistent exams. One of the most important quality measures in colonoscopy is the adenoma detection rate. Adenomas are benign polyps that can eventually turn cancerous. The national standard for detection is around 25%. AI can increase this rate by identifying subtle changes in the colon that can be difficult for the human eye to catch. Even a 1% increase in adenoma detection lowers a patient\u2019s risk of developing colon cancer by 3%.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can detect these very small changes in the mucosa that you may not recognize as a provider,\u201d said Deputy Chief of Staff Dr. Douglas Huntley. \u201cAI is very precise, it learns, and in learning, it levels the playing field for all of us. It is vital that we use any safe and effective technology that reduces morbidity and mortality for our Veterans.\u201d<\/p>\n

When to get screened<\/h2>\n

Age remains the leading risk factor for colon cancer, which is the third most common cancer in the United States. Even individuals who feel healthy should follow screening guidelines. Providers recommend that adults ages 45 to 49 begin routine colonoscopy screenings, especially if they have a family history of the disease.<\/p>\n

Air Force Veteran Dawn Yllescas knows how important this screening can be. \u201cI had no symptoms\u2014none,\u201d she said. \u201cI came in for a routine colonoscopy because I was the right age to get checked. I woke up from the procedure and learned that I had colon cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The diagnosis was life-changing, but she credits early detection and coordinated VA care for saving her life. \u201cIt takes an emotional toll, but I am alive. Now I can help educate others about the importance of getting checked,\u201d Yllescas said. \u201cIt might feel uncomfortable or embarrassing, but it is extremely important. You have to take care of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Boyce encourages patients to ask their providers whether AI is used during colonoscopies. \u201cIt may sound technical, but it is an important question. It can make for a more efficient, more thorough exam,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

VA offers some of the most advanced exam tools available, and if anything is found, a fully coordinated team\u2014gastroenterology, oncology, primary care, Whole Health and more\u2014is prepared to support every step of treatment and recovery.<\/p>\n

It is never too late to apply for VA health care you have earned. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who has not yet applied for their VA health care benefits, learn how to\u00a0get started<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

This article was originally published on the VA Asheville Health care System site <\/a>and has been edited for style and clarity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Artificial intelligence (AI) adds a lot of value to common procedures like colonoscopies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":339,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7689","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-u-s-veterans-news"],"yoast_head":"\nArtificial intelligence increases efficiency and quality - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Artificial intelligence (AI) adds a lot of value to common procedures like colonoscopies.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7689\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Artificial intelligence increases efficiency and quality - 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