BCHHC

BCH Launches Teleneurology Service

Beatrice Community Hospital has launched a new teleneurology service designed to connect patients with neurologists in real time, helping local care teams evaluate stroke symptoms and other neurological concerns quickly while keeping more patients close to home when it is safe to do so.

The service, which began May 18, gives emergency department and inpatient teams 24/7 access to neurology specialists through a secure telemedicine system. A mobile computer with a camera can be brought directly into a patient’s room, allowing the neurologist to speak with the patient, observe the exam and work alongside the bedside physician and nursing team.

While many people may think first of stroke care, hospital leaders say the program is broader than telestroke alone. Teleneurology can also support patients with conditions such as seizures, transient ischemic attacks, often called “mini-strokes,” and other neurological symptoms that may require specialist input.

During an evaluation, the neurologist may ask the local nurse or physician to help the patient move their arms or legs, check strength, follow commands or complete other parts of a neurological exam. The specialist can then review imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, along with lab results and bedside findings to help determine the diagnosis and treatment plan.

“The neurologist can see the patient, talk with the patient, guide the exam, and review test results in real time,” said Dr. Charles Tomek, Emergency Department medical director. “It will provide us with the information we need to determine that it is safe for you to stay here. It also gives us – and the patient - the confidence that we can care for you here.”