REACH (Remote Evaluation of Acute IsCHemic Stroke) was launched in early 2003 to enable MCGHealth neurologists to consult on rural stroke cases 24/7. The neurologists help medical professionals administer tPA, a clot-busting drug that can mitigate the debilitating effects of a stroke if given within three hours.
This telemedicine program utilizes a convenient, wireless internet-operated network at rural hospitals and transmits real-time videos of patients to MCGHealth consultants for an immediate diagnosis. MCGHealth physicians can actually see patients via a secure feed, review the CT scan online, evaluate physical signs and symptoms, download information regarding medical history from the participating hospital and send back instructions – all within a very short period of time and with refined accuracy.
REACH is aimed at stroke patients because of the necessity in keeping within a three-hour time frame for safe and successful treatment of ischemic stroke. Every minute counts with stroke. And for patients who live in rural areas, REACH may be the most expedient way to have access to specialists with stroke expertise.
The MCG REACH program offers many benefits, including:
- Consulting services with MCGHealth specialists and state-of-the-art treatment available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at rural hospital sites
- Low cost and easy to maintain for participating rural hospitals—a cost effective option
- Additional training for medical professionals on the treatment of stroke and consumer education on warning signs of stroke
It’s not often that rural hospitals have the advantage of the latest research and technology found at a leading academic medical center. With the REACH program, MCGHealth brings a host of specialists and sub-specialists as well as state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to the highest quality care to remote rural hospitals and their patients.
Dr. David Hess
MCG Chief of Neurology