Frequently Asked Questions about the UCLA Telestroke Program

How long will it take to implement the program?

ER staff

It typically takes 6-8 weeks to install and integrate the technology, train local clinical staff, and privilege the consulting telestroke physicians.

Does our hospital need to already have telemedicine equipment?
No. If you do not currently have telemedicine equipment in your ED, we can advise regarding the purchase of suitable equipment or provide leased equipment as part of the service package. If you do have existing telemedicine equipment, as we use open standard systems, we may be able to work with your existing systems.

What type of telemedicine equipment is supported?
Our telestroke physicians can provide live, two-way video streaming consultation via two types of telemedicine platforms:
1) Mobile standard or high definition videocarts (telemedicine)
2) Independently mobile video robots (telepresence)

The platform best for each partner hospital is determined by clinical needs and support levels desired.

Is there data indicating that telestroke care results in good patient outcomes?
Numerous studies have demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of telestroke care. In a large controlled trial, stroke patient outcomes were better at hospitals with telestroke support than hospitals without telestroke support. In a U.S. national guideline scientific statement, the American Heart Association recommended that "When the lack of local physician stroke expertise is the only barrier to the implementation of inpatient stroke units, telestroke consultation via high-quality videoconferencing is recommended (Class I, Level of Evidence B)."

Who can I contact if I need additional information?
You may contact us at

UCLA Stroke Center
710 Westwood Plaza, RNRC
Los Angeles, CA 90069

Hotline: 1-877-DRSTROKE
1-877-377-8765
Tel: 310-794-6379
Fax: 310-267-2063

E-mail: [email protected]

You may also click here to contact us using our contact form if you have other questions.