Stroke Center Certification Recognizes Expertise

The First in Wisconsin to Earn Primary Stroke Center Certification



	Advanced Diagnostic Imaging In our angiography suite, detailed images of blood vessels in the neck and brain are produced to help physicians locate blockages, aneurysms and other abnormalities.

In 2004, The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Stroke and Neurovascular Center became the first in the state to receive certification as a Primary Stroke Center. The designation comes from the Joint Commission, in conjunction with The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The Center was among the first in the country to receive this distinction. Achieving Primary Stroke Center certification signifies an organization’s dedication to fostering better outcomes for patients.

According to the Joint Commission, by achieving advanced certification, Froedtert & The Medical College have demonstrated their commitment to the highest level of care for its stroke patients. Certification is a voluntary process. The Joint Commission commended Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin for successfully undertaking the challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.

Certification Demonstrates Commitment to High Caliber Stroke Care

As a Certified Stroke Center, the Froedtert & the Medical College program demonstrates its ability to provide care from a multi-disciplinary team. The team includes neurologists, emergency department specialists, radiologists, neurosurgeons, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, technicians and more all working in a coordinated, collaborative system. To maintain its certification, the Froedtert & the Medical College Stroke Center must document and report its evidence-based patient outcomes at least twice a year.

Research Shows Better Outcomes in Primary Stroke Centers

There are numerous advantages of certification for patients, their families and hospitals that offer a Primary Stroke Center. Research from the American Stroke Association shows patients at such centers receive a higher quality of care more quickly with fewer complications, spend less time in the hospital and less time in rehabilitation. Primary Stroke Centers also experience reduced costs, morbidity and mortality, and provide a safer environment that results in better patient outcomes.

Last Review Date: May 2, 2013

Online Editor(s): Shannon Krause