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
UC co-op helps build career pathways at AtriCure
July 28, 2026
AtriCure, a global medical device company in Mason, Ohio, is UC’s largest biomedical engineering co-op employer, turning University of Cincinnati co-op students into full-time innovators.
CCM welcomes new musical theatre faculty member Avery Bargassé
July 28, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Avery Bargassé as CCM's new Assistant Professor Educator of Musical Theatre Voice. His faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2026. Bargassé is a versatile vocalist, recording artist and voice teacher whose career spans television, popular music and classical singing. He approaches teaching from a whole-person perspective, helping students develop healthy, flexible technique that supports expressive communication across styles.
UC doctoral student shares his journey with Spectrum News
July 27, 2026
UC doctoral student Amota Ataneka spoke with Spectrum News about his educational journey. Ataneka, a native of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, is one of 35 emerging scholars across the United States to win the National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship.