Medscape: Mobile stroke units appear cost effective
A new study suggests that mobile stroke units (MSUs) are cost effective and help reduce downstream stroke-related costs in addition to providing faster care for patients.
MSUs are specially equipped ambulances that are staffed with trained professionals, brain imaging equipment and medicine to deliver treatment to patients who are having a stroke before arriving at a hospital. UC Health launched the region's first MSU in 2020.
Christopher T. Richards, MD, assistant professor in the University of Cincinnati's Department of Emergency Medicine in the College of Medicine, medical director of the UC Health Mobile Stroke Unit and a UC Health emergency physician, reviewed the study for Medscape. He said the data indicate MSUs become most effective when treating patients with stroke who call 911 quickly, have severe stroke symptoms and are independent at baseline.
Richards said further study into MSUs' cost effectiveness should look into the difference in cost when a patient is able to receive tPA treatment for ischemic stroke in the MSU compared to those who do not.
Featured photo at top of UC Health's mobile stroke unit courtesy of UC Health.
Related Stories
Katy Cardoza
BEARCATS FOR LIFE
I completed my master's at the University of Cincinnati and am now a Family Nurse Practitioner at a busy Community Health Center using the incredible education I obtained as a Bearcat. My journey at UC inspired first my eldest daughter and now my son to also attend.
CCM welcomes Ben Nicholson as Assistant Professor of Immersive Media and Live Events
June 24, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Benjamin Nicholson as CCM's new Assistant Professor of Immersive Media and Visuals for Live Events. A CCM alumnus (MFA Lighting Design & Technology, 2025), Nicholson's faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2026, and he will work with college leadership to develop classes, content and programming in Live and Immersive Media at CCM. Nicholson's position is a joint appointment shared by CCM's Divisions of Media Production and Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration, and he will teach classes for both areas of the college.
A leg up in a challenging job market
June 24, 2026
Spectrum interviewed a panel of University of Cincinnati experts and alum for a look into how to stand out in today’s competitive job market. They highlighted UC's cooperative education (co-op) programs and courses that integrate artificial intelligence (AI) competence as key to being ready for the workplace.