Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
Potential influence of acute CT on inpatient costs in patients with ischemic stroke
Insights
Implementing a computed tomographic (CT) angiography and CT perfusion protocol for ischemic stroke patients could save billions. This advanced imaging strategy offers significant cost reductions in acute stroke care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Ischemic stroke patient outcomes vary based on underlying pathology.
- Emergency imaging protocols significantly influence stroke management and costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the cost implications of an emergency computed tomographic (CT) protocol.
- This protocol includes unenhanced CT, CT angiography, and CT perfusion.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient data and public cost data.
- Cost modeling compared CT angiography-CT perfusion protocol with traditional methods.
- Calculated savings based on reduced length of stay and avoided misdiagnosis costs.
Main Results:
- Nationwide savings estimated between $1.2 billion and $1.8 billion.
- Savings depend on whether lacunar strokes are treated acutely or nonacutely.
- Sensitivity testing confirmed the robustness of cost-saving estimates.
Conclusions:
- Implementing a CT angiography-CT perfusion protocol has significant potential economic benefits.
- Prompt advanced CT imaging can reduce the overall cost of acute stroke care.
Rationale And Objectives:
Patients presenting with ischemic brain symptoms have widely variable outcomes dependent to some degree on the pathologic basis of their stroke syndrome. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost implications of the emergency use of a computed tomographic (CT) protocol comprising unenhanced CT, head and neck CT angiography, and whole-brain CT perfusion.
Materials And Methods:
By using a retrospective patient database from a tertiary care facility and publicly available cost data, the authors derived the potential savings from the use of CT angiography. CT perfusion, or both at hospital arrival by means of a cost model. The cost of the CT angiography-CT perfusion protocol was determined from Medicare reimbursement rates and compared with that of traditional imaging protocols. Cost savings were estimated as a decrease in the length of stay for most stroke patients, whereas the most benign (lacunar) strokes were assumed to be managed in a non-acute setting. Misdiagnosis cost (erroneously not admitting a patient with nonlacunar stroke) was calculated as the cost of a severe complication. Sensitivity testing included varying the percentage of misdiagnosed patients and admitting patients with lacunar stroke.
Results:
The nationwide net savings that would result from the adoption of the CT angiography-CT perfusion protocol are in the $1.2 billion range (-$154 million to $2.1 billion) when patients with lacunar strokes are treated nonacutely and $1.8 billion when those patients are admitted for acute care.
Conclusion:
The results demonstrate the potential effect of implementing a CT angiography-CT perfusion protocol. In particular, prompt CT angiography-CT perfusion imaging could have an effect on the cost of acute care in the treatment of stroke.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

