What Are the Levels of Inpatient Stroke Care at UPMC?
The Joint Commission offers four stroke certification programs, including:
Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals (ASRHs)
ASRH certification is for hospitals or emergency centers with a dedicated stroke-focused program.
UPMC Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals include:
Primary Stroke Centers (PSCs)
PSC certification is for hospitals that provide critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.
UPMC Primary Stroke Centers include:
Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers (TSCs)
TSC certification is for hospitals that offer endovascular procedures and post-procedural care.
UPMC Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers include:
Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs)
CSC certification is the highest-level stroke certification offered by The Joint Commission. It is designed for hospitals capable of treating the most complex stroke cases.
UPMC Comprehensive Stroke Centers include:
Why Might I or My Loved One Need to Move Up or Down in Level of Care?
You will be transitioned through these levels based on your care needs and how quickly you recover. If your condition improves, you will be moved to a less intensive level of care. If your condition worsens while you are in the step-down or acute care unit, your care team will transfer you back to the ICU or step-down unit for more intensive care.
Levels of Stroke Certification
UPMC participates in the Joint Commission’s stroke certification programs, signifying a network-wide commitment to meet and exceed rigorous national standards for stroke care.
The Joint Commission awards four advanced certification levels for stroke centers based on core standards, clinical practice guidelines, performance measurements, and specific clinical requirements.
Stroke center certification levels include:
- Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) — The highest-level stroke certification, CSCs have specific capabilities to treat the most complex stroke cases.
- Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC) — For hospitals that offer endovascular procedures and post-procedural care.
- Primary Stroke Center (PSC) — For hospitals with all the elements promoting long-term success in improving stroke outcomes.
- Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals (ASRH) — For hospitals or emergency centers with a dedicated stroke-focused program.