Study finds big disparities in stroke services across the US

Low-income communities are up to 42% less likely to obtain stroke center certification. Hospitals in poor communities are significantly less likely to obtain certification for stroke services, which makes them unable to provide urgent, lifesaving treatment, UC San Francisco researchers are reporting in a 14-year study of the nation’s hospitals. By contrast, hospitals located in economically mixed or affluent communities were more likely to become stroke certified. Such specialized services are associated with better stroke care and patient outcomes. The findings demonstrate significant disparities across the United States in access to critical neurologic treatment, the researchers said. The study appeared Read More