Alabama has the highest stroke mortality rate in the nation, with several counties in the rural southeast region ranking far above the national average. In response, Southeast Alabama Medical Center established a stroke telemedicine network beginning in late 2012, placing telemedicine carts in rural hospitals to provide remote neurology consultations. By October 2013, the network included six hospitals across three states, with plans to expand to additional sites pending further funding.

1. Alabama Rural Health
&
TeleHealth Summit
October 17, 2013

2. Stroke Care Network
Alabama worst in Nation overall in Stroke Mortality.
•
US score = 42.24
•
Alabama = 54.45
Counties in Alabama in Service Area.
•
Henry
= 88.04
•
Bullock
= 69.50
•
Crenshaw = 67.00
•
Covington = 63.75
•
Barbour = 63.22
•
Geneva = 56.08
•
Pike
= 52.57
•
Coffee
= 50.74
•
Houston = 43.41
•
Dale
= 39.46
Georgia Overall rating = 49.73
•
Seminole Co = 92.59
•
Early Co.
= 65.01
Florida Overall rating = 33.64
•
Jackson Co = 52.34
•
Holmes Co = 30.85
•
Washington = 47.88

3. Stroke Care Network
– SAMC’s foundation purchased 4 Telemedicine carts (2012)
– Philanthropic Women’s Society purchased 2 carts 9/12
– Contracted with Acute Care Telemedicine for Neuro
coverage
– December of 2012- Medical Center Barbour
– January 2013- Southeast Alabama Medical Center
– June 2013 -Wiregrass Medical Center
– July 2013- Dale Medical Center
– August 2013 -Mizell Memorial
– October 2013 -Troy Regional Medical Center
– Working on securing funding for additional carts for
additional sites.