Press Release
US Acute Care Solutions and the University of Pennsylvania Work Together to Prevent Stroke Misdiagnosis
CANTON, Ohio, January 7, 2025 — US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) is proud to announce a collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine) to incorporate the USACS “dizziNIHSS” initiative at Penn Medicine’s three Philadelphia emergency departments, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
Designed to enhance diagnosis of posterior strokes, this innovative approach reminds clinicians to perform the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), test of skew, and gait evaluation for any patient presenting with dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance. The new collaboration aims to transform stroke diagnosis and care, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and population health.
The Stakes: Posterior Strokes and Catastrophic Outcomes
Posterior strokes are missed in as many as two-thirds of cases because many do not present with commonly recognized stroke symptoms like weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties. Instead, posterior strokes can be misdiagnosed as vertigo caused by inner ear dysfunction, fainting episodes, or even psychiatric diseases. The adage, “time is brain,” means that not identifying and treating strokes early can lead to catastrophic outcomes for patients. The dizziNIHSS approach prioritizes the NIHSS as a key diagnostic tool to identify strokes that are most commonly missed.
Why the NIHSS?
NIHSS is superior to CT and MRI for detecting early strokes.
The assessment can be performed immediately on any patient, by any clinician, at any facility, regardless of local resource constraints, and takes only a few minutes.
NIHSS is efficient and free, providing essential value to patients while optimizing clinical operations and resources.
Data-Driven Results
The implementation of the dizziNIHSS initiative, combined with comprehensive training and ongoing feedback for clinicians, has increased use of the NIHSS for atypical neurological symptoms at USACS-staffed emergency departments, from 17% to 73%. Patients cared for by USACS clinicians have up to a four times greater chance of receiving timely and accurate stroke diagnoses.
“The dizziNIHSS initiative here at USACS is a prime example of fulfilling our mission to care for patients,” said Dr. Amer Aldeen, Chief Medical Officer of USACS, who coined the label, “dizziNIHSS,” and co-developed the initiative with Dr. John Bedolla, USACS National Director of Risk Science. “Our national physician-owned practice serving hundreds of community emergency departments collaborating with a powerhouse academic institution of Penn Medicine’s caliber is exactly the kind of innovation we need to drive healthcare forward.”
"We are excited to collaborate with USACS in using the dizziNIHSS method, reinforcing our commitment to early and accurate diagnosis of all strokes, anterior and posterior," said Dr. Benjamin Sun, Professor and Chair of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.
"The dizziNIHSS initiative aligns with our efforts to enhance patient safety and ensure that critical assessments are never overlooked," stated Dr. Jenice Baker, Chair of Emergency Medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital.
"Partnering with Penn Medicine to implement this evidence-based, cost-effective, and operationally efficient approach demonstrates our shared dedication to improving outcomes and reducing the risk for missed strokes," added Dr. Bedolla.
About USACS
Founded by emergency medicine and inpatient physicians across the country, USACS is solely owned by its physicians and hospital system partners. The group is a national leader in integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist, and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 10 million patients annually across more than 400 programs and is aligned with many of the leading health systems in the country. Visit usacs.com for more.
Media Contact
Marty Richmond
Corporate Communications Department
US Acute Care Solutions
330.493.4443 x1406
[email protected]
General News
USACS Now Accepting Applications for Senior Resident Forum To Be Held in Houston, Texas
US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) is thrilled to announce our upcoming Senior Resident Forum, which will take place in Houston, TX, on September 8-10, 2024. This all-expense paid trip is the perfect opportunity for residents to learn and engage with top leaders in emergency, hospitalist, and critical care medicine as they prepare for the beginning of a successful career.
The Senior Resident Forum will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Houston. This modern hotel offers high-end accommodations, on-site dining, deluxe amenities, and the convenience of walkability to explore the lively downtown attractions. During the forum, speakers will cover a wide range of topics pertinent to residents' careers and practices. From clinical efficiency to financial literacy, the goal is to provide residents with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their professional pathway and create a fulfilling career in medicine.
In addition to gaining valuable insights and networking opportunities, attendees will also be invited to a USACS social event, the ideal setting to unwind and meet new colleagues from around the country.
USACS is the largest physician-owned acute care group in the country, caring for over 10 million patients annually at more than 400 programs across 26 states. With our expertise and experience, USACS is well-positioned to support physicians in providing excellent care to patients while also enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career.
“This event is one I look forward to every year,” said Amer Aldeen, MD, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer. “I still remember my senior year of residency and the flood of questions running through my mind as I began searching for a career. It can be overwhelming, and this forum is the perfect opportunity for residents to come engage with and learn from our physicians who understand what it’s like to be in their shoes.”
If you're a senior resident looking to get ahead in your career search, apply today to join the USACS Senior Resident Forum. Your travel expenses, two-night hotel stay, and all on-site meals are on us. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn, network, and grow with USACS' top leaders in acute care.