How a tele-stroke consult runs
The ED activates tele-stroke on a suspected stroke patient. A tele-stroke neurologist joins by cart-based or bedside video within minutes. The neurologist takes the history, calculates NIHSS, reviews the CT and CTA imaging, and recommends tPA/TNK administration or transfer to a thrombectomy-capable center. Everything is documented in the chart.
Who staffs tele-stroke
Board-certified neurologists — many with vascular / stroke fellowship training. Premium tele-stroke programs require NPI verification and a minimum of 3 years post-residency. It should not be a mid-level triage line or phone-only service.
Where tele-stroke fits
Rural, critical-access, and community hospital emergency departments without an on-site neurologist. Tele-stroke lets those EDs safely administer tPA, avoid unnecessary transfers, and quickly triage the patients who do need a comprehensive stroke center.
Frequently asked
How fast is a tele-stroke response?
Best-in-class tele-stroke programs target a neurologist on video within minutes of activation. Every minute of untreated ischemic stroke costs an estimated 1.9 million neurons.
Can a tele-stroke physician order tPA?
Yes. A credentialed tele-stroke neurologist can evaluate the patient, calculate NIHSS, and recommend tPA/TNK. The order is co-signed per hospital protocol.
Does tele-stroke replace transferring stroke patients?
Sometimes. For ischemic strokes eligible for IV thrombolytics only, tele-stroke can enable safe treatment locally. For large vessel occlusions requiring thrombectomy, tele-stroke helps triage which patients truly need transfer to a comprehensive stroke center.
How Beam delivers tele-stroke
Beam is the premium telemedicine partner — every clinician is NPI-verified with a minimum of 3 years post-residency (or post-credential for allied roles).
See Beam Tele-Stroke