Stroke Systems Technical Consultation:

Virginia Stroke Systems (VSS) invites you to access the expertise available to stroke professionals in Virginia and neighboring states by tapping into the Virginia Stroke Systems Ambassador Panel (VSS AP).

Submit your confidential questions to VA.STROKESYSTEMS@HEART.ORG

Purpose of the VSS AP:

In concert with the implementation of Virginia Stroke Systems, there is a recognized need for an increased number of Primary Stroke Centers (PSC) and novel strategies to assist acute care facilities in enhancing stroke care. To aid in the development of PSC's and integrated stoke systems, the Virginia Stroke Systems Leadership Team identified a need for access to stroke program development expertise by all interested healthcare institutions in the state. To address this need, the VSS Leadership Team collaboratively designed and implemented a statewide-accessible Ambassador Program.

The VSS Ambassador Panel (VSS AP) is an 11-member team of recognized and dedicated stroke professionals invested in providing the best stroke care possible. The Panel is comprised of physiatrists, neuro-radiologists, neurologists, emergency physicians, nurses, EMS leadership, hospital administrators, legislative and advocacy personnel, stroke program coordinators and experts in stroke program development and stroke systems of care. VSS AP was developed to meet a need for a single reliable and free resource for questions regarding stroke program design, development, evaluation and performance improvement.

Panel members respond to your questions with answers based on science and and best practice. The VSS AP is prepared to answer questions about EMS operations, ED work-up, stroke center development, hospital infrastructure, administrative management, or any question related to the development of an acute care system for stroke. There is no charge for this service. No query is too small.

The Virginia Stroke Systems Ambassador Panel (VSS AP) members have expertise in the following content areas:
  1. Emergency Medical Service (EMS)/pre-hospital programs, training and regulations
  2. Emergency Department (ED) stroke program barriers and development, ED stroke diagnosis and treatment
  3. Acute and post-acute stroke care, Stroke Unit development, secondary prevention
  4. Neurology & ED physician medicolegal issues, reimbursements, professional organization position statements
  5. Administrative issues, achieving administrative support, creating a stroke program business case, defining fiscal and market incentives
  6. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) certification, national initiatives, state legislation efforts
  7. Performance measures, quality (process & outcome) measures, national indicator development, data systems
Access to the VSS AP has been extended to stroke professionals in Virginia’s neighboring states, including:
  • Virginia
  • Maryland
  • District of Columbia
  • West Virginia
  • Kentucky
  • Tennessee
  • North Carolina

Take advantage of this unique service now and benefit from the experience of others who have been there and are eager to share their knowledge.! Requests are kept confidential, and responses are evidence- and science-based. In most cases a response is provided within 10 business days. Complex questions may take more time in order to ensure an evidence-based response. If your question is very time-sensitive, please write Urgent in the subject line and the panel will make every effort to respond more quickly.

        To submit a question to the Panel, email VA.STROKESYSTEMS@HEART.ORG

        Please articulate your question clearly and concisely to help streamline processing of your request.

        All questions and information shared with VSS APP will be treated as strictly confidential.

We encourage you to add this address to your FAVORITES or CONTACTS list for easy access in the future.