Minutes That Matter – Advancing The Field Of Neurology With Direct Physician Access

December 1, 2024

Minutes that Matter – TeleStroke Patient Outcomes Advance the Field of Neurology and Medicine

The American Stroke Association (ASA) notes that “80% of strokes are preventable”.

That 80% is what drives Sevaro Physicians to keep access speed a critical starting point of caring for each Sevaro stroke patient.

Sevaro’s mission; “To improve patient outcomes by providing the highest quality of specialty care and maximize our impact through the use of data and compassion” is a 24/7 and minute to minute mission delivered each and every day by Sevaro Physicians.

Why is the element of time, or minutes so important to accessing stroke care treatment ?

The ASA defines stroke as;

“a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain and the #5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the US. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen needed, and brain cells die.”

The importance of mitigating brain cell loss in stroke is best illustrated by the American Hospital Association’s 2006 Journal Article, ‘Time Is Brain-Quantified’, and summarizes the brain cell loss for the average patient at 1.9 million neurons per minute in which a stroke is untreated.

Time-sensitive treatment options for stroke must be presented to the patient within three to four and a half (3 – 4.5) hours of onset of symptoms, maintaining a reliance on access speed to the physician for timely care.

Table 1: ‘Time is Brain-Quantified’

The Sevaro Difference

Sevaro brings innovation and speed-to-care together as it aligns with its hospital partners to ensure the process to contact Sevaro and initiate care is

  • Straight forward
  • Fast
  • Efficient
  • Reliable

Sevaro’s hospital partners have direct access to Sevaro physicians with OneCall™.

NO CALL CENTERS are used, allowing Sevaro to eliminate unnecessary steps where delays in care commonly occur. When minutes matter the most, stroke patients and Sevaro Physicians in 45 seconds or less.

There are five different types of stroke that effect patients every day (table 1) and the seconds and minutes that pass when a patient begins having a stroke are life-threatening.

The faster an in-person qualified clinician can begin a treatment plan advised over live 2-way video by a board-certified vascular neurologist, the higher the probability to prevent the stroke from causing brain cell loss.

Getting medical attention as soon as possible minimizes long term-effects of stroke and can prevent death.

Telestroke continues to be more prevalent over the last decade and has advanced stroke treatments and survival rates markedly.

Minutes that Matter – Stroke Treatment is Time-Sensitive and Life-Saving

The FDA has only one approved treatment for Ischemic Strokes, Alteplase IV r-tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator). If a patient meets eligible criteria during the telestroke video consultation, tPA will be recommended by the board-certified vascular neurologist and administered by the local care team. tPA works through IV, releasing/breaking the clot and returning blood flow to the effected areas.

A time-sensitive requirement of having tPA administered within three to four and a half (3-4.5) hours of the patient’s initial onset of symptoms is necessary to realize tPA’s benefits.

Benefits of a patient receiving tPA within the time frame improves the recovery, disability effects, and can sometimes reverse symptoms entirely immediately after administration. Patients can have severe paralysis, speech difficulties, and other symptoms return to full normal function following tPA.

Once administered by the local care team, the patient is monitored and assessed frequently in an ICU by the vascular neurologist and the local care team. Patients who do not receive fast treatment for their stroke can have life-long devastating disabilities.

Additional treatment options for all strokes include Endovascular Procedures, a stroke treatment to remove the clot using a guided catheter at the site of the brain’s blocked blood vessel. Patient eligibility criteria varies. Neurosurgical care teams may administer tPA directly into the blood clot (intra-arterial) to dissolve the blockage or assess options to remove the clot.

Sevaro OneCall – Direct Physician Access Brings Speed and Simplicity to Life Saving Care

The entire Sevaro team is dedicated to access speed and actively involved with pilots and research initiatives that are tracking stroke patient outcomes and the positive impact that new innovations and process changes have on industry benchmarks. Regular and ongoing collaboration between Sevaro and its Hospital partners are valued relationships to sustain a continuous improvement culture for stroke patient outcomes.

Together, Sevaro and a Hospital partner piloted the innovative process of removing the call center step from the process the hospital used to contact their teleneurology physician. That initial pilot removed several minutes from the process immediately and the times for reaching a Sevaro Physician were now being tracked in seconds.

The pilot sustained and fast forward to today, Sevaro OneCall or direct physician access (Sevaro physician answers phone first) is the way we implement and operate with every Hospital partner.

The Sevaro OneCall process is a cornerstone of the quality care we provide.

Benefits to the patient: Clear savings in reducing valuable minutes of brain cell loss

Benefits to the local care team:

  • Immediate access to the board-certified vascular neurologist
  • No complicated call schedules to remember or call center representatives to wait on hold with
  • Dial one number and speak directly with a Sevaro physician for faster treatment decision making.

Leveraging Regional Coverage Pods For Continuity Of Care And Strong Clinical Relationships

November 7, 2024

We’ve learned a lot through the years, and it shows in our culture.

The Sevaro team consistently shares best practices and interacts with one another across sites to benefit our hospital partners and their patient care.

One of the best practices our group sees over and over is maintaining processes and procedures focused on continuity of care and care team relationships. That is why a cornerstone of our clinical practice is Sevaro’s dedication to small pods of regional provider hospital coverage. This is a best practice applied with years of providing Telestroke coverage in PSC/CSC, and Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals.

Using a small pod of providers means keeping the total number of providers matched to sites low, this in turn keeps relationships strong between the pod of providers and our hospital partners.

Care team continuity, and familiarity of working with the same pod on a regular basis, in our experience yields strong communication, and improved patient outcomes. It’s also a major satisfaction for both the hospital partners, patients, and Sevaro’s physicians.

Looking closer at the patient perspective, we hear repeated feedback from the admitted stroke patient (and family) referencing both comfort and confidence when they see the same physician that first met them on screen during their initial ER stroke consult is their same assigned physician completing their daily rounding.

A Sevaro physician often provides this continuity of care through recovery and discharge. The patient benefit is clear, and likewise having the same small pod of providers rounding on the same units week after week creates incredible bonds between the onsite nurses, advanced practice providers, and physicians; where the Sevaro physicians are true integrated members of the care team.

References:
http://www.ucihealth.org/news/2016/06/academic-medical-centers-future-of-healthcare – Only 2-2.5% of medical centers are academic medical centers

How a 5-Year-Old is Helping Save Lives: New Book by Telestroke CEO & Son Teaches Kids to Spot Stroke Signs

October 28, 2024

Sevaro in the news

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On World Stroke Day, Dr. Rajiv Narula, founder and CEO of Sevaro Health, and his 5-year-old son, Ayan Narula, are excited to announce the release of their new children’s book, B.E.F.A.S.T., Be A Superhero.

This engaging book teaches children how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke using the BEFAST method (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time). With a mission to empower young readers, the father-son duo hopes to help save lives by ensuring children know what to do when they encounter a stroke emergency.

This book is designed to give kids the knowledge they need to act quickly since children are likely to witness a parent or a grandparent suffering from the symptoms of a stroke.

The incidence of stroke has increased in younger patients aged 18 – 44 and 45-64 and many children are being cared for by their grandparents.

Their ability to spot the symptoms of stroke and act quickly could be the difference between life and death for their parent or grandparent.

The BEFAST method is a simple and effective guide for identifying stroke symptoms, ensuring timely treatment and better outcomes. “Teaching children to recognize the signs of a stroke can truly be the difference between life and death,” said Dr. Narula. “Our book helps them become real-life superheroes, equipped with the knowledge to help a loved one in need.”

Ayan Narula, age 5, also shares his excitement: “I like superheroes, and my dad told me that we can be superheroes by helping people. I wanted to write a book so kids like me can help their families.”

Dr. Narula is committed to making a broad impact with the book and is offering free copies to any mission-based organizations, including schools, that believe B.E.F.A.S.T., Be A Superhero can benefit their community. “We want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn these life-saving skills, no matter their background,” Dr. Narula added.

The book will officially launch on World Stroke Day, 10/29/24 and will be available for purchase on Amazon. For more information or to request free copies for your organization, please contact BEFASTBeAHero@gmail.com

About the Authors: Dr. Rajiv Narula is a stroke neurologist and the CEO of Sevaro Health, a teleneurology company focused on improving access to neurological care and the Co-founder of STATSeva.org. He is passionate about educating the next generation on stroke prevention and care.

Ayan Narula, age 5, co-authored the book with his father and is excited to teach other kids how they can be heroes by recognizing the signs of a stroke.

How Sevaro’s Team of Problem Solvers Are Revolutionizing Neurological Care

October 16, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, providing fast and efficient care is crucial, particularly in time-sensitive situations like stroke. Neurology departments across the country are facing challenges ranging from staffing shortages to inefficient systems that delay critical care.

At Sevaro, we’ve made it our mission to address these challenges head-on.

With a team of problem solvers, including medical experts, tech innovators, and implementation specialists, we are revolutionizing the teleneurology and telestroke space.

Here’s how we’re tackling the industry’s biggest problems and creating solutions that deliver better care, reduce provider burnout, and optimize patient outcomes.

Problem 1: Call Centers Causing Delays in Stroke Care

When it comes to stroke care, every second counts. The faster a patient receives care, the better the outcome. Traditional call centers often introduce delays, with critical time lost while patients are transferred through layers of communication before reaching a neurologist.

This delay is unacceptable in telestroke situations, where immediate care can make the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.

Sevaro’s Solution: Sevaro OneCall™, part of Synapse AI

Sevaro recognized this critical issue and developed Sevaro OneCall™, a solution that directly addresses delays caused by call centers. Sevaro OneCall™ routes emergency calls to a virtual neurologist within 45 seconds.

By eliminating the middleman and connecting emergency department (ED) staff directly to a specialist, we’ve drastically reduced time-to-treatment for telestroke and other time-sensitive neurological emergencies. This rapid response system ensures that patients receive immediate care, improving outcomes and potentially saving lives.

Problem 2: Documentation Fatigue Leading to Provider Burnout

For neurologists and healthcare providers, documentation is an essential but often time-consuming part of their job.

The need to manually document every patient interaction can lead to burnout, reducing their ability to focus on patient care. Disorganized or incomplete documentation also impacts patient outcomes, leading to gaps in communication and mismanagement of care.

Sevaro’s Solution: Nirvana Notes, part of Synapse AI

To solve this problem, Sevaro introduced Nirvana Notes, an innovative tool within our Synapse AI platform.

Nirvana Notes uses ambient AI technology to automatically document every phone call and video interaction between the provider and patient. This means that not only is every interaction time-stamped and properly documented, but it is also ready for review and billing.

By automating this process, Nirvana Notes reduces the burden on neurologists and allows them to spend more time focusing on patient care, leading to better outcomes and greater job satisfaction.

Problem 3: Lack of Continuity Between In-House and Virtual Neurology Teams

In many hospitals, there is a disconnect between in-house staff and virtual telemedicine providers. This lack of continuity often results in frustration for both teams and can negatively affect patient care.

For example, in a teleneurology scenario, virtual providers may not have full access to the patient’s medical history or diagnostic information, leading to inefficiencies in the care provided.

Sevaro’s Solution: Synapse AI and Personalized Care Teams

Yet another solution built into our software platform, Synapse AI, developed by Sevaro, was specifically designed by physicians for telemedicine practice, solving the integration problem between in-house and virtual neurology teams.

Syncing EMR, imaging, and video with a single click through Single-Sign-On eliminates the hassle of managing multiple logins and ensures physicians have immediate access to all essential data exactly when they need it.

Synapse AI provides all the tools necessary to streamline communication and enhance the coordination of care.

Sevaro also assigns a small, dedicated pod of virtual neurologists to each hospital partner, facilitating personal relationships and smoother collaboration between the on-site and virtual care teams.

This results in more cohesive patient care, as both in-house and virtual teams are consistently on the same page.

Problem 4: Staffing Shortages in Neurology Departments Nationwide

Neurology departments across the country are struggling with staffing shortages, making it difficult to provide the level of care that patients need.

The demand for highly specialized neurologists has outpaced the supply, leaving many hospitals understaffed and unable to meet the needs of their communities.

Sevaro’s Solution: Partnership with Rosman Search

To address the issue of staffing shortages, Sevaro has partnered with Rosman Search, a leader in full-time neurologist and locum tenens staffing solutions.

This partnership allows hospitals to access a fully staffed neurology department, combining the benefits of permanent, locum, and virtual neurology professionals.

With Synapse AI, hospitals can integrate both in-house and virtual neurology teams, ensuring seamless patient care and filling critical staffing gaps.

Whether you’re in need of permanent hires, locum tenens, or virtual neurology services, Sevaro and Rosman Search offer a hybrid approach that maximizes the availability of specialized neurological care. This ensures that hospitals can provide timely, expert care to every patient who needs it, regardless of staffing challenges.

Why Sevaro’s Approach is Revolutionary

At Sevaro, we believe that innovation begins by solving the real problems that healthcare providers face every day. Our approach is not just about creating new technology—it’s about developing solutions that directly address the pain points experienced by neurologists, ED nurses, and hospital administrators.

By focusing on seamless communication, AI-driven documentation, and personalized care teams, we’ve built a teleneurology platform that doesn’t just enhance care—it transforms it.

What’s Next?

We know that every hospital and neurology department faces unique challenges. At Sevaro, we’re ready to work with you to identify your specific needs and craft a solution tailored to your department.

Whether you’re dealing with call-center delays, staffing shortages, or a disconnect between your virtual and in-house teams, our problem-solving experts are here to help.

How Can We Help Your Neurology Department?

Tell us about the challenges you’re facing, and let our team of experts create a custom solution that meets your needs. At Sevaro, we’re not just revolutionizing teleneurology—we’re revolutionizing patient care.

Contact Sevaro today to discuss how we can help optimize your neurology program.

Acute Ischemic Stroke: Key Facts & Treatment | Neurobrief by Sevaro Ep.1

September 16, 2024

NeuroBrief Episode 1

Acute Ischemic Stroke

Welcome to our first episode of NeuroBrief, where we provide concise, high-yield neurology content. Episode 1 focuses on acute ischemic stroke, a critical emergency that requires prompt recognition and management. With ischemic strokes comprising 87% of all strokes, fine-tuning our approach to diagnosis and treatment remains crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Clinical Presentation

Acute ischemic stroke typically manifests with sudden-onset neurological deficits. While the classic presentation includes unilateral weakness, facial droop, and aphasia, we must remain vigilant for more subtle presentations. Time remains a critical factor, and rapid differentiation from TIA, intracerebral hemorrhage, and stroke mimics like migraine with aura or hypoglycemia is essential.

Diagnostic Approach

A rapid, accurate diagnostic workup is key. Start with a non-contrast CT to exclude hemorrhage. An MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) remains the gold standard for detecting early ischemic changes.

The NIH stroke scale should be performed on every stroke patient—not just as a severity metric but as a guide for treatment decisions. Even in cases with a low NIHSS, patients presenting with disabling symptoms like aphasia or hemiparesis should be considered for thrombolysis.

In the inpatient setting, a comprehensive workup is crucial. This includes:

  • MRI brain without contrast
  • A 2D echocardiogram with bubble study
  • A1C
  • LDL targets below 70

Continuous telemetry monitoring is essential to rule out arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. Evaluation by speech, PT, and OT is imperative for a holistic recovery plan.

Determining the stroke etiology is a critical step, guided by the TOAST criteria, which classify strokes into five categories:

  • Large-artery atherosclerosis: Stroke due to significant stenosis or occlusion of a major artery.
  • Cardioembolism: Stroke due to emboli from the heart, often associated with conditions like atrial fibrillation.
  • Small vessel occlusion (lacunar stroke): Stroke resulting from occlusion of small, penetrating arteries, typically seen in hypertension or diabetes.
  • Stroke of other determined etiology: Less common causes such as vasculitis, hypercoagulable states, or arterial dissection.
  • Stroke of undetermined etiology: When no definitive cause is identified despite extensive evaluation.

For cryptogenic strokes, it is essential to rule out occult atrial fibrillation and other paroxysmal arrhythmias, often necessitating prolonged monitoring with a loop recorder or an event monitor before discharge. Throughout this diagnostic process, remain vigilant for common pitfalls, such as stroke mimics or missing small but clinically significant infarcts.

Image Source

Management Strategies

Moving to management, the window for IV thrombolysis remains at 4.5 hours, but patient selection is key. Mechanical thrombectomy is indicated up to 24 hours for large vessel occlusions (LVOs).

Recent studies support extending thrombectomy to distal M2 occlusions in patients with disabling symptoms like aphasia. Adherence to AHA/ASA guidelines is critical, ensuring that every decision is backed by evidence. Consider the nuances in thrombolytic therapy, especially in those with lower NIH stroke scores but significant deficits.

Conclusion

In summary, acute ischemic stroke requires a combination of rapid identification, precise diagnostics, and evidence-based management. Your expertise in these areas is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Stay tuned to NeuroBrief for more targeted insights that will help you refine your practice.

Episode Credit:
This blog and video were written by Sevaro Resident Ambassador Deborah Rose, MD.

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Sevaro + Rosman Partnership: The Top Solution for Addressing Neurology Staffing Challenges in Hospitals

August 29, 2024

Elevating Neurology Together

Sevaro Partners with Rosman Search, Transforming Neurology Staffing – Why It Matters

In today’s healthcare environment, neurology programs face increasing challenges due to rising demand, staffing shortages, and the need for continuous, high-quality patient care.

That’s where Sevaro and Rosman Search come in.  

Rosman Search, a leader in healthcare staffing, has chosen Sevaro as their preferred virtual neurology partner, a testament to the quality and impact of our services. 

With the formation of a groundbreaking partnership, these two healthcare leaders are working together to address the complexities of neurology care by combining cutting-edge virtual neurology solutions and exceptional staffing services.  

This collaboration enables hospitals to meet current challenges head-on while planning for a future of sustainable and scalable care.

Meeting Staffing Needs with a Combined Approach

Permanent and Locum Tenens Solutions

One of the main stressors facing hospitals today is the ability to fill key positions in their neurology departments, both on a permanent and temporary basis.  

Recruiting top-tier neurology professionals can be time-consuming and difficult, leaving hospitals with critical workforce gaps. Rosman Search is a renowned expert in sourcing permanent and locum tenens neurology experts, ensuring hospitals are equipped with the best talent available.  

With their proven recruitment process, Rosman Search connects hospitals with the most qualified neurology providers, allowing healthcare institutions to provide consistent, exceptional care to their patients. When hospitals require the expertise of a single neurologist to add to their team, Rosman’s experience in recruiting and placing is invaluable. However, when a group of neurologists are needed to perform the work, such as 24/7 telestroke, Sevaro’s virtual neurology services are better suited to fill the need.  

Whether hospitals need to expand their neurology teams long-term or require short-term locum tenens to cover temporary gaps, Rosman Search’s experienced recruitment team tailors its approach to meet each hospital’s specific needs.  

This flexibility means hospitals can continue to operate at peak performance without being constrained by staffing shortages. 

The Role of Virtual Neurology

In addition to Rosman Search’s staffing solutions, Sevaro’s virtual neurology services provide an invaluable layer of support. As more hospitals shift toward hybrid models of care, the need for seamless integration between on-site and virtual providers has never been greater.  

Sevaro’s virtual neurology services allow hospitals to extend their neurology programs beyond physical boundaries, ensuring that patients receive the specialized care they need, regardless of geographic limitations. 

This combination of in-person and virtual neurology providers creates a cohesive program where hospitals have access to top talent and the flexibility to deliver care across multiple sites.  

By integrating Sevaro’s virtual solutions into their staffing strategy, hospitals can ensure continuous care, maintain top-tier talent, and adapt to the changing demands of healthcare. 

Why This Partnership Matters

Combining Sevaro’s virtual neurology expertise with Rosman Search’s deep knowledge in permanent and locum tenens staffing creates a hybrid care model where employed neurologists, virtual care and neurology placement can deliver unmatched flexibility to hospitals.  

This model ensures seamless integration between on-site and virtual care, filling critical staffing gaps while maintaining continuity of care across all levels. For hospitals, this means enhanced patient care, reduced burnout for healthcare workers, and the ability to scale up or down based on real-time needs.

The Benefits of a Hybrid Model

By leveraging Rosman Search’s permanent and locum tenens professionals alongside Sevaro’s cutting-edge virtual neurology services and technology, hospitals can now offer a fully comprehensive solution that fills immediate staffing needs while also providing long-term support.

The Power of Synapse AI in Your Hospital

AI-Driven Efficiency

At the heart of Sevaro’s virtual neurology services is the Synapse AI platform. Synapse AI is an AI-powered solution designed to streamline the complexities of clinical care and optimize workflows for virtual health environments.  

It enhances communication, automates repetitive tasks, and reduces administrative burden, allowing neurologists to focus on what matters most: patient care. 

With its advanced capabilities, Synapse AI integrates directly into hospitals’ existing systems, enabling smooth transitions between on-site and virtual care teams.  

This streamlined workflow reduces the time spent on documentation, billing, and other administrative tasks, improving efficiency and patient outcomes. Synapse AI’s approach is transforming the way hospitals operate, making neurology programs more efficient and adaptable in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape. 

The result? Faster care, better outcomes, and a system that operates at peak efficiency.

Easily Integrate Virtual Care and On-site Care with Synapse AI

Synapse AI is more than just an AI platform; it’s the connective tissue that brings together on-site and virtual neurology teams.  

For hospitals operating hub-and-spoke models, Synapse AI facilitates seamless communication and collaboration between the hub (usually a larger academic medical center) and its smaller spoke sites.  

Hospital staff can connect with the on-call virtual neurologist in 45 seconds or less, and if needed, they’re seamlessly routed to backup providers—completely eliminating the need for a call center. This ensures rapid patient care when every second counts, expediting treatment and improving outcomes during critical moments. 

This level of integration ensures that patients receive consistent, high-quality care across multiple sites, while hospital teams benefit from reduced communication barriers and fewer workflow interruptions.  

The result is a more cohesive and effective neurology program that adapts to the needs of patients, providers, and hospital administrators alike. 

Closing Critical Gaps in Care

Addressing Burnout and Staffing Shortages

One of the greatest challenges in neurology care today is the impact of burnout and staffing shortages on healthcare providers. Neurologists and advanced practice providers are stretched thin, leading to longer hours, increased stress, and a diminished quality of care.  

Sevaro and Rosman Search’s partnership directly addresses these challenges by providing hospitals with a comprehensive solution to their workforce needs. 

By combining the strengths of Rosman Search’s staffing expertise with Sevaro’s virtual neurology services, hospitals can fill gaps in their neurology teams while alleviating the pressures that lead to burnout.  

This integrated approach reduces the strain on in-house staff, ensures consistent care, and helps maintain a healthier, more engaged workforce. 

Elevating Patient Outcomes

Beyond addressing staffing challenges, the Sevaro-Rosman partnership has a direct impact on patient outcomes. With continuous, high-quality care delivered through both on-site and virtual providers, patients benefit from faster diagnosis, more accurate treatment, and better long-term care plans.  

Synapse AI’s tools further enhance patient care by automating critical tasks such as documentation and communication, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that patients receive the attention they need at every stage of treatment. 

The synergy between Sevaro’s virtual solutions and Rosman Search’s staffing capabilities provides hospitals with the tools they need to deliver superior care, even in the face of growing patient demands and limited resources. 

Conclusion: A Future-Proof Solution for Hospitals

How This Benefits Your Neurology Program

Whether you’re struggling with long wait times or inconsistent care delivery, Sevaro and Rosman Search have a solution. Our combined expertise ensures that hospitals can retain top-tier talent, reduce burnout, and operate with greater resilience against fluctuating staffing needs.  

By combining permanent and locum tenens placements with Sevaro’s cutting-edge virtual neurology services and the Synapse AI platform, hospitals can build stronger, more resilient neurology programs that meet the needs of today while preparing for the future. 

The Sevaro and Rosman Search partnership represents the future of neurology care, offering hospitals a comprehensive solution to their staffing and operational challenges. Together, we’re delivering continuous, high-quality care that elevates your entire neurology program. 

If you’re ready to strengthen your hospital’s neurology program and future-proof your care model, now is the time to explore the benefits of Sevaro and Rosman Search’s unique partnership. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation tailored to your hospital’s needs.

What Is Teleneurology and How Can It Help Patients? Potential Use Cases.

August 23, 2024

The Expanding Role and Benefits of Teleneurology

As healthcare continues to evolve, teleneurology stands out as a significant advancement that is transforming the way neurological care is delivered. Teleneurology allows for remote consultations and exams through teleconferencing, offering patients rapid access to specialists, which is particularly beneficial for those in rural or underserved areas.

This innovative approach to healthcare not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances operational efficiency for hospitals and clinics.

The Evolution of Teleneurology

Teleneurology first emerged with telestroke care, a critical development that revolutionized the field of neurology. For stroke patients, time is of the essence. When stroke treatment is delayed, the risk of long-term disability increases significantly.

However, many regional or rural hospitals do not have on-site neurologists, making it difficult to provide timely care. Telestroke services allow neurologists to remotely assist hospital teams in diagnosing and delivering treatment faster, leading to better patient outcomes.

This approach not only minimizes the need for patient transfers, which can be risky and costly but also increases the likelihood of successful recovery by starting treatment sooner. Over the years, teleneurology has expanded beyond telestroke care to cover a wide range of neurological conditions.

Teleneurology Beyond Telestroke

Today, teleneurology services are available for patients suffering from various neurological conditions. Hospitals and clinics rely on teleneurology to treat patients with

  • Epilepsy
  • Movement disorders
  • Encephalopathy, and more.

Services include remote EEG readings, interpretation of neurological images, and even teleneurohospitalist rounding, ensuring patients receive timely, expert care without the need for a neurologist to be physically present.

Benefits of Teleneurology Services

  • Improved Access to Neurologists
    Patients in rural or underserved areas gain access to top-tier specialists without the need for travel, ensuring equitable healthcare.
  • Faster Diagnosis and Treatment
    Neurologists can provide immediate consultations, allowing for quicker diagnoses and treatments, which is critical in emergencies like strokes.
  • Reduced Need for Patient Transfers
    By providing remote care, teleneurology reduces the necessity for transferring patients to larger facilities, saving time, reducing costs, and minimizing patient stress.
  • Enhanced Flexibility for Healthcare Providers
    Neurologists can work remotely and serve multiple hospitals, offering a flexible solution that maximizes their reach and impact.
  • Increased Patient Satisfaction
    Patients receive quicker care, reducing anxiety and improving overall satisfaction with their healthcare experience.
  • Cost-Effective Care
    Virtual neurology reduces the overhead associated with on-site care and transfers, making it a cost-effective solution for hospitals and patients alike.
  • Round-the-Clock Availability
    Virtual Neurologists are available 24/7, ensuring that patients have access to care no matter when their symptoms arise.
  • Recruitment and Retention of Talent
    Virtual neurology allows hospitals to offer better work-life balance to neurologists by reducing on-call burdens, helping to attract and retain top talent.
  • Scalable Solutions and Planning For Long Term Success
    Hospitals can scale their neurology programs with virtual services, allowing them to handle higher patient volumes quickly, without the need for additional on-site staff.
  • Innovative Technology
    Leveraging advanced telemedicine platforms, hospitals can automate routine tasks and streamline workflows, further enhancing operational efficiency.

Sevaro’s Role in Revolutionizing Teleneurology

At the forefront of this revolution is Sevaro, a company dedicated to providing expert virtual neurology services. Sevaro specializes in bringing high-quality neurological care to hospitals through its team of board-certified tele-neurologists and cutting-edge technology.

Sevaro offers a comprehensive range of neurological services that cover emergent, inpatient, and outpatient needs. Their team is available seven days a week to round on patients with non-emergent neurological disorders, ensuring that hospitals can deliver continuous care without overburdening their staff.

One of the key components of Sevaro’s approach is the Synapse 2.0 platform, a revolutionary AI-powered virtual neurology platform that allows hospitals to integrate both on-site neurologists and virtual specialists into one seamless system.

Synapse 2.0 ensures that neurologists and hospital teams can collaborate efficiently, making it easier to provide high-quality, continuous care to patients across various settings.

Additional Potential Uses for Teleneurology

The applications of virtual neurology continue to grow, providing hospitals and clinics with innovative ways to improve patient care. Here are five additional potential uses for teleneurology services:

  • Post-Surgical Neurology Follow-Ups
    Teleneurology can be used to monitor patients recovering from neurological surgeries, ensuring they receive consistent follow-up care without the need for in-person visits.
  • Behavioral Neurology Consultations
    Patients with cognitive and behavioral disorders can benefit from regular virtual consultations, allowing for ongoing treatment and monitoring from the comfort of their homes.
  • Telemonitoring for Chronic Conditions
    Patients with chronic neurological conditions, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis, can be remotely monitored by neurologists, ensuring timely interventions when necessary.
  • Second Opinions
    Hospitals can offer patients the option to receive second opinions from expert neurologists remotely, giving them peace of mind and access to specialized care.
  • Remote Rehabilitation Programs
    Teleneurology can be used to oversee rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from strokes or neurological injuries, ensuring that they stay on track with their recovery goals.

Neurological Disorders That Can Be Diagnosed Or Treated through Virtual Neurology

  • Acute Spinal Cord Injury
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Ataxia
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Brain Tumors
  • Cerebral Aneurysm
  • Encephalitis
  • Epilepsy and Seizures
  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome
  •  Headache
    • Cluster Headaches
    • Migraine Headaches
  • Head Injury
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Lumbar Disk Disease (Herniated Disk)
  • Meningitis
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Stroke (Brain Attack)
  • Tension Headaches

Conclusion: The Future of Neurology is Virtual

As healthcare continues to embrace digital solutions, virtual neurology is poised to become an even more essential part of patient care. Whether providing remote consultations, reducing the need for patient transfers, or enhancing recruitment and retention of neurologists, teleneurology offers a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution for hospitals.

Sevaro is leading the charge with its Synapse 2.0 platform, ensuring that hospitals have the tools they need to deliver seamless, high-quality care to their patients.

By bridging the gap between on-site and virtual care, Sevaro is helping hospitals meet the demands of modern healthcare while maintaining the highest standards of patient outcomes.

If you are looking to optimize your hospital’s neurological care, Sevaro’s teleneurology services are the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Schedule a call today to learn how we can help your facility achieve excellence in patient care.

Regional and Racial Disparities in Stroke Death Rates And How Telestroke Can Help

August 20, 2024

Understanding Stroke Disparities

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability and premature death, especially for adults aged 45–64. A recent study highlighted persistent disparities in stroke death rates, showing differences across regions and racial and ethnic groups.

As we continue to strive for better healthcare outcomes, this data offers an opportunity to reflect on how our healthcare systems can address these inequities and improve care.

From 2002 to 2012, stroke death rates decreased for both men and women in this age group, but an alarming upward trend emerged between 2013 and 2020. For men, stroke death rates peaked in 2020 before showing a slight decline in 2022.

However, for women, the rates continued to rise, showing that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain. The data also revealed that the South consistently had the highest stroke death rates, while the Northeast had the lowest.

Key Findings: Data from the National Vital Statistics System

  • After a period of decline between 2002 and 2012, the stroke death rate for adults ages 45–64 increased 7% between 2012 (20.2 per 100,000) and 2019 (21.7) and an additional 12% through 2021 (24.4).
  • For men, stroke death rates increased in each region from 2012 to 2020, and then rates declined or did not change significantly through 2022.
  • For women, stroke death rates increased for all regions from 2012 to 2020 and continued to increase through 2022 in the Northeast.
  • Black non-Hispanic (subsequently, Black) men had the highest stroke death rates among men in each region, with the highest rate in the South (65.7).
  • Black women had the highest stroke death rates in each region, with rates higher in the Midwest (41.0), South (41.6), and West (45.0) compared with the Northeast (26.9).

The Heart of SOC 2: Trust Services Criteria

At the core of a SOC 2 report are the Trust Services Criteria (TSC), which guide us in identifying and addressing various organizational risks. A-LIGN, our third-party compliance and audit firm, meticulously evaluates our policies, procedures, and controls against these criteria, ensuring that we’re not just compliant, but we’re setting a benchmark for the industry.

Security is the cornerstone criterion of every SOC 2 report and is included as the “Common Criteria”. The remaining four—Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy—are tailored to our unique environment, underscoring our holistic approach to data integrity.

Regional Variations and Racial Disparities

The study highlighted stark differences in stroke mortality across regions, with the South consistently having the highest rates. This region-specific variation underscores the role of socioeconomic factors, access to care, and health literacy in stroke outcomes.

Racial disparities were equally notable. Black men and women had significantly higher stroke death rates compared to all other groups. In some regions, Black men had rates 2–3 times higher than other groups, signaling a profound healthcare gap that requires immediate attention.

The Impact of COVID-19

Interestingly, the most significant spike in stroke death rates occurred between 2019 and 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the exact reasons remain unclear, it’s plausible that the strain on healthcare systems, delayed care, and complications from COVID-19 played a role in this increase.

The pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges in healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable populations, and stroke care has not been immune to these effects.

Addressing the Disparities: A Call to Action

This study provides crucial insights into how disparities in stroke care continue to affect patient outcomes. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving access to care, increasing public health education, and addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to these regional and racial disparities.

For hospitals, a focus on telestroke services can help bridge the gap, particularly in underserved areas where neurologists are scarce.

How Sevaro’s Virtual Neurology Services Can Help

Interestingly, the most significant spike in stroke death rates occurred between 2019 and 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the exact reasons remain unclear, it’s plausible that the strain on healthcare systems, delayed care, and complications from COVID-19 played a role in this increase.

The pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges in healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable populations, and stroke care has not been immune to these effects.

Final Thoughts from a Neurologist’s Perspective

“The findings from this study serve as a reminder that while we’ve made progress in stroke care, there’s still much work to be done to address these disparities.

As a neurologist, it’s clear to me that access to timely, quality care is the most significant factor in improving stroke outcomes. With the advancements in telemedicine, we now have the tools to provide equitable care, even in the most underserved areas.

By leveraging technologies like Synapse 2.0, we can ensure that every patient, regardless of where they live, has access to the best possible stroke care.”

As we continue to learn from these studies, Sevaro is committed to being part of the solution.

Contact us today to learn more about how our virtual neurology services and Synapse 2.0 can help your hospital deliver better, faster stroke care, no matter where your patients are located.

Sevaro OneCall: Saving Time, Saving Brain, And Saving Lives

Revolutionizing Telestroke Care

Revolutionizing Telestroke Care

When it comes to emergency teleneurology consults, seconds matter. Yet many hospitals rely on call center models that are ineffective in getting the right neurologist on the phone quickly. Sevaro OneCall™ offers a unique solution.

What is Sevaro OneCall™?

OneCall is a telemedicine solution that ensures that a seasoned, boarded vascular neurologist answers urgent stroke calls in less than one minute. It cuts down on hold times that can stretch as long as 20 minutes — a veritable eternity when dealing with telestroke or other emergency calls. When handling acute neurology calls, every second counts.

The solution answers a need that comes up time and again when hospitals rely on call centers to support telehealth. In a traditional call center model, a person answers the call and screens the situation before connecting someone with the right doctor.

But it’s one person trying to connect with one doctor. The doctor may or may not pick up for any number of reasons. Meanwhile, nurses and emergency physicians may be stabilizing patients the best they can while awaiting the vascular neurologist’s orders for scans and next steps in tPA evaluation.

And once the physician does connect with the ED staff for a virtual consult during an emergency or on-call hours, will that doctor be the one completing rounds in the days to come to help follow through on the patient’s treatment plan? In traditional scenarios, it’s common for the vascular neurologist first working with a patient in an emergency scenario to be different from the doctor who supports the patient through their time in a hospital, and this can erode patient confidence and comfort.

How Sevaro OneCall Works

OneCall streamlines intake and treatment procedures for stroke patients by automating much of the process.

When staff in the hospital dial OneCall, they get an automated system. The system knows where the call is coming from, which means it can connect with the Sevaro neurologist on-call for that facility.

Staff who call with a need for a new patient enter the patient information. Within just 45 seconds, OneCall connects the call to a physician’s phone and sends the on-call physician a message noting which hospital has a need and the specific information for the case.

After that first contact is made, the patient is seen and treatment is started. Typically, a CT scan is conducted. At that point, the hospital puts a second call into OneCall. The call is automatically routed to the same vascular neurologist to support continuity of care and ensure the patient’s doctor is well informed.

Understanding Stroke Center Certification Variability

June 27, 2024

Stroke centers are vital in providing specialized care during the critical moments following a stroke.

However, a recent study (AHA Journals) reveals considerable variability across the United States in how states handle Stroke Center Certification and designate these centers. This post explores the nuances of these processes and discusses how virtual neurology services, like those provided by Sevaro, are crucial in navigating these complexities.

Categories of State Stroke Center Certification Processes

The requirements for stroke center certification are mandated at the state level, and for some states, certification does not require an (external) certifying organization to grant a given level of stroke center certification.

Some states rely on a self-certification or independent stroke center designation – others have no state certification or designation process at all. 

The study categorizes state processes into three main groups:

  • No State Certification or Designation (Category A): Some states do not have their own certification processes, relying instead on hospitals to seek national accreditation independently.
  • State Designation Reliant on National Certification (Category B): In these states, hospitals must obtain national certification to be recognized as stroke centers, ensuring adherence to high standards of care.
  • Self-Certification or Independent Designation (Category C): These states allow hospitals to either certify themselves or undergo state-specific designation processes, which may not rely on national standards.

Impact of Certification Variability

This heterogeneity can significantly impact the clinical performance of stroke centers and patient outcomes. The classification for levels of certification may vary greatly between different certifying organizations and can be confusing for EMS agencies, patients, and even for members of a given health care organization. 

Two of the major national certifying organizations and their respective classifications for stroke levels of stroke center certification are compared below. 

Hospitals in states with rigorous certification requirements tend to have better-equipped facilities and more trained staff, leading to higher-quality care and better patient outcomes.

Sevaro’s Role in Enhancing Stroke Care

Sevaro’s telestroke services are designed to complement these varying certification processes. By providing rapid access to board-certified vascular neurologists and employing data-driven insights, Sevaro helps hospitals meet and exceed certification standards, regardless of their state’s specific requirements.

I recently underwent our stroke center accreditation survey and our surveyor was extremely impressed with Sevaro’s documentation. The surveyor mentioned multiple times that Sevaro’s documentation was exactly what she needed from an accreditation perspective.” -Stroke Coordinator, Indiana

Bridging the Gaps in Stroke Care

Sevaro effectively integrates with hospital systems to streamline the certification process and enhance the overall stroke care pathway. This support is crucial for hospitals navigating the complexities of state-specific certification and aiming to improve their stroke care capabilities.

At Sevaro, we understand the rigors and nuances of the accreditation process – Sevaro Health has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. 

We work with our hospital partners across the country to achieve and maintain various levels of stroke center certification with multiple certification bodies. 

Conclusion

As the landscape of stroke center certification continues to evolve, understanding the implications of these processes is more important than ever. For hospitals looking to enhance their stroke care services, partnering with a telestroke provider like Sevaro can be a game-changer, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed the standards required to achieve and maintain certification.

About The Author

Drawn to Sevaro’s innovative blend of physician leadership and technology, Dr. Winningham combines her expertise as a vascular neurologist & comprehensive stroke center medical director with a deep commitment to improving stroke care.

Her time spent as Chair for the Virginia Stroke Systems Task Force gives her a particular understanding of regional systems of stroke care and the importance of stroke epidemiology in improving those systems.

Dr. Winningham holds a bilingual medical degree from Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico. She completed her Neurology residency and Vascular Neurology fellowship training at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and spent time there as an NIH StrokeNet research fellow prior to relocating to Charlottesville, VA.

Melanie J. Winningham, MD
Regional Stroke Director – Sevaro

Stroke Certification And Why It Matters – Advancing The Field Of Neurology

June 7, 2024

Stroke Certification And Why It Matters

The certification process for stroke first began in 2003, when the American Heart Association (AHA), American Stroke Association (ASA), and The Joint Commission created the initial Primary Stroke Center Certification. Fast forward to the year 2011, there were over 800 Joint Commission certified Primary Stroke Centers, a small percentage of the reported 4,000-5,000 total US Hospitals.

The collaboration of the AHA/ASA, and Joint Commission evolved further in 2012 with the introduction of the more advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center certification, creating additional clinical standards, processes, training, staff resources/coverage, and quality outcomes reporting.

As Telestroke first emerged in the market in the mid 2000’s, Primary and Comprehensive Stroke Centers took immediate notice and focus to Telehealth. It only took a few years for PSC/CSC’s to begin actively studying the profound effects that the presence of Telehealth had not only on PSC/CSC’s, but the community hospitals who were participating as sites in a Telestroke network operated by a PSC or CSC.

Once the PSC/CSC had studied and introduced elements that embraced and encouraged telehealth, they found the impact so powerful that they added an additional stroke center certification level.

The Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification specifically certifies the spoke or distant site hospital where the patient presents, requiring a door to telemedicine link of 20 minutes or less along with additional coverage, reporting, and order set requirements.

The Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification was a landmark move when it was introduced in 2015, originally initiated by research from the Brain Attack Coalition in 2013. The result of the continued evolving certifications and focus on clinical outcomes has had an ongoing positive effect on improving access to life saving neuroscience technology and interventions.

Our providers and leadership team has the experience working in, developing, and maintaining PSC/CSC status at all levels of certification, and it’s another differentiator Sevaro has with its hospital partners.

A collaboration with Sevaro brings medical, nursing, and administrative experience in these complex and large PSC/CSC, with special focus on building, managing, and improving the Telehealth component

Stroke Education For Kids

June 6, 2024

Teaching the Next Generation of Children to Save Lives through Stroke Education:

Introduction

This past month marked a pivotal moment in community health education, particularly for the young minds in Louisville’s “I Would Rather Be Reading”  Educate and Elevate after school program. In partnership with Sevaro, IWRBR launched a highly interactive and impactful event during Stroke Awareness Month, aimed at educating students about stroke prevention, recognition, and response. 

The initiative highlights the importance of early education in stroke awareness and demonstrates how advanced healthcare technologies like telestroke and teleneurology can be accessible and engaging.

The Partnership Behind the Initiative

Collaboration Goals

The collaborative efforts between “I Would Rather Be Reading” and Sevaro were driven by a shared goal: to leverage Sevaro’s expertise in telehealth to enhance educational curriculum on health. This partnership was designed to educate students on the critical aspects of stroke knowledge—what a stroke is, how to prevent it, and crucially, how to respond when one occurs.

The Role of Telestroke and Teleneurology

Children were educated on the extreme importance of time when someone is having a Stroke and that Stroke is an Emergency. An emphasis was placed on speedy care of the stroke patient and how Teleneurology is working in hospitals to reduce stroke patient evaluation times in emergency rooms across the nation.  

This education also offered exposure to what Teleneurology is so that the first time they encounter it isn’t during an emergency situation.

Event Highlights and Key Activities

Preparing the Educators of Tomorrow

Students were immersed in a 3 week program that required them to learn and then teach, turning them into peer educators who could effectively communicate complex medical topics.

This approach not only reinforced their understanding but also built their confidence and public speaking skills.

Student-Led Presentations

The program led up to  the main stroke awareness event which featured student-led presentations, where the I Would Rather Be Reading groups used the BEFAST model to educate their elementary school classmates about recognizing the signs of a stroke. 

The groups also focused on stroke prevention, specifically regarding “the salty six” foods to avoid. Each presentation was unique, tailored by the students to engage their audience effectively.

The involvement and enthusiasm were palpable, with students eager to share their knowledge.

Outcomes and Impact

Learning Outcomes for Students

The program was not just about teaching students stroke awareness—it was about empowering them with knowledge that could one day save lives. Students walked away with a deep understanding of stroke symptoms, prevention strategies, and the confidence to act in potentially life-threatening situations.

Community Response and Feedback

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Educators and parents noted significant improvements in students’ leadership and communication skills. A notable testimonial from the program highlights the impact:

“I Would Rather Be Reading’s Stroke Awareness project with Sevaro has been one of my favorites to date! Partnering with a telehealth company has provided a real-life example of how the literacy and social skills acquired in our Educate and Elevate after-school program can be applied in everyday life.

This initiative not only introduced students to a potential career field but also equipped them with leadership skills that will benefit them as they grow. It’s incredible to see our kids at work!”

“My favorite part about this Stroke awareness event – other than having so much fun along the way with these bright kids – is that this was not just an event, it was an entire program.  We didn’t just show up to a school for a day and then leave. 

The IWRBR and Sevaro team elevated this to the next level, and in turn elevated what all the children got out of this program.  I appreciate organizations such as IWRBR and Sevaro for taking vision and making it a reality.

It is a win win scenario when we recognize the importance and invest in our future generations.” 

– Chauncey Evers, Sr. Manager of Clinical Operations & Quality, Sevaro

Expanding the Reach

Plans for Future Programs

Encouraged by the success of this initiative, plans are already underway to expand the program to more schools across the nation.

Next Stroke Awareness Month, we aim to double our reach, helping even more students become ambassadors of health in their communities.

Conclusion

Our Stroke Awareness event is just the beginning. By educating young people about stroke risks and preventive measures, we’re building a foundation for healthier communities. We invite you to join us in this mission to empower the next generation of healthcare leaders. 

Through education, engagement, and technology, we are turning today’s learners into tomorrow’s lifesavers.

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