Teleneurology: Why it Works for Rural Hospitals

Abstract

The American Academy of Neurology views teleneurology as an effective tool for rapid evaluation of patients in remote locations requiring neurologic care. These underserved locations include geographically isolated rural areas, as well as urban areas with too few available neurology specialists. This article focuses on the problem of stroke worldwide and the penalty imposed on those living in rural areas. Most importantly, the ability to offset those negative factors using teleneurology is illustrated through the real world experience of a rural Oklahoma hospital.