When seconds matter, stroke patients at University of Missouri Health Care receive the fastest and most comprehensive care. MU Health Care is the first and only institution in mid-Missouri to earn the Comprehensive Stroke Center certification from DNV GL Healthcare, reflecting the highest level of expertise for treatment of serious stroke events. 

“With stroke care, you must have the best clinicians and resources and the ability to act organizationally with extreme efficiency because of the time-critical nature of these events,” said Jonathan Curtright, MU Health Care chief executive officer. “This certification validates all the effort we have put into this program and ensures the health and safety of our patients.”

The DNV GL Healthcare Comprehensive Stroke Center certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms MU Health Care addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” said Patrick Horine, CEO of DNV GL Healthcare. “It helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

MU Health Care’s comprehensive stroke center certification ensures you will be treated at the best-equipped hospital in mid-Missouri to handle any kind of stroke or stroke complication. 

MU Health Care’s Missouri Stroke Program offers: 

• Highest level of stroke care
• Most comprehensive stroke endovascular treatment team that includes both neurologists and neurosurgeons
• A leading-edge diagnostic and treatment facility for patients with complex neurological disorders
• Neuro-intensive care unit dedicated to patients who require critical care and evaluation
• Dedicated stroke clinic
• Neuro-interventionalists on duty 24/7 who can reopen narrowed arteries
• Access to advanced clinical trials for stroke treatment

Comprehensive Stroke Center requirements include:

• Door to physician – less than 10 minutes
• Door to stroke team – less than 15 minutes
• Door to CT/MRI initiation – less than 25 minutes
• Door to CT interpretation – less than 45 minutes
• Door to medication – less than 60 minutes
• Door to intervention – less than 90 minutes

Hospitals must undergo annual reviews to maintain DNV GL Comprehensive Stroke Center certification. This is in contrast to most other advanced certifications, which are typically renewed once every three to five years.

MU Health Care is a member of the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll and has been designated one of the state’s first Level I Missouri State Time Critical Diagnosis Centers, the highest recognition for a stroke program.