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September 15, 2010

Telehealth Consultations Could Improve Stroke Treatment in U.S.


One of the most promising applications for telehealth is providing access to medical specialists to help treat patients in underserved areas.   While telehealth is often mentioned as a solution for developing countries, it can also bridge the gap in access to specialists in rural areas of the U.S.   For example, a recent survey conducted by the Regional Telestroke Initiative found that 88 percent of the Pacific Northwest’s rural hospitals surveyed lacked access to a stroke neurologist, and that stroke neurologists were negatively impacted by excessive call requirements and lack of reliable reimbursement. According to an article in Health Data Management, the lack of access to appropriate specialists resulted in fewer patients receiving the recommended treatment for strokes caused by blood clots. 

The Regional Telestroke Initiative is a collaboration between The Washington State Department of Health Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, the Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center (NRTRC), and members of the Northwest Regional Stroke Network (NWRSN). Citing the fact that the Northwest has higher than average stroke death rates and that there are significant rural-urban disparities in stroke treatment and care, coalition members proposed a regional telestroke network as a potential solution.

Some other findings from the survey:

Eighty percent of respondents said their organizations were working on enhancing stroke-related services through quality improvement initiatives;

Half of respondents were not providing or receiving stroke consultations, with 21 percent providing them only and 11 percent receiving them only;

Thirty six percent conducted audio/visual consultations, 32 percent conducted telephone consultations with remote imaging, and 12 percent conducted telephone only;

Approximately 45 percent of respondents were developing an audio/visual telestroke program, 25 percent were not, and 18 percent were considering it.


Ms. Graham is a writer and editor with a current focus on health and wellness. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Erin Monda
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