Despite FDA approval and a nation-wide education campaign, less than 5% of people who have a stroke receive clot-busting thrombolytic medications, a lifesaving therapy.
Time is of the Essence
Stroke Program Director Robert Felberg, MD, explains how the telestroke program works and why immediate care is essential for stroke patients.
Geisinger’s Telestroke program connects hospital emergency departments with fellowship trained neurologists and neurosurgeons who – through the use of telemonitoring equipment – are available quickly and around-the-clock to assist and lend their expertise in treating stroke patients at remote emergency departments.
Being able to consult with a stroke specialist puts emergency physicians at a huge advantage in terms of following the correct treatment protocol and improving the outcome for the patient.A stroke specialist can best assess the need for clot-busting thrombolytic medications and ensure that the treatment is delivered according to best practice guidelines. The specialist can also advise as to whether that patient will need to be transferred to a neurovascular intervention center.
Geisinger Medical Center is certified as an accredited Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission.
Health care providers are invited to learn more about the benefits of participating in a Tele-Stroke program by calling 570.271.6637 or emailing telemedicine@geisinger.edu.
