Telemedicine program
At TriStar Health, our telemedicine service provides lifesaving stroke treatment closer to home. You can have a consultation with a neurologist within seconds by using our telemedicine technology. Find out how.
TriStar Health is the region's largest telemedicine network, providing lifesaving stroke treatment closer to home. Telemedicine gives community hospitals and emergency rooms immediate access to acute stroke care, especially in communities where neurologists are not on call 24/7. Because we are a large family of hospitals, our doctors are experts in coordinating the rapid transfer of patients to the closest comprehensive stroke center.
Telemedicine is changing stroke care
Within seconds of a request for a consultation, a physician can position the telemedicine robot at your bedside and connect via the Internet to a TriStar neurologist specializing in stroke care. The robot provides two-way audio and video communication and includes remote diagnostic devices, such as an electronic stethoscope. TriStar neurologists can remotely examine your ability to move and speak and even zoom in to allow a complete full exam.
By getting immediate access to a neurologist, you may be able to receive time-critical medications such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which can save brain function and reduce disability. As a result, emergency physicians can more quickly treat stroke patients in the ER and reduce or eliminate long-term stroke impacts on patients.
How can I lower my risk for a stroke?
Many risk factors for strokes can be avoided with healthy lifestyle changes. Some preventable risk factors that impact your chance of having a stroke include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
B.E F.A.S.T with stroke
B.E. F.A.S.T when a person is having a stroke. The simple B.E. F.A.S.T test involves six easy-to-remember steps:
B=Balance
Balance — has the person had a sudden loss of balance?
E=Eyes
Eyes — has the person experienced loss of vision in one or both eyes?
F=Face
Facial weakness — can the person smile? Does his/her (their) mouth or eye droop?
A=Arm
Arm weakness — can the person raise both arms without one arm drifting down?
S=Speech
Speech problems — can the person speak clearly?
T=Time
Time to call for help — if any of these symptoms are present, dial 911 immediately for transportation to the closest emergency room. Remember, every minute counts!