Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) was joined today by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Congressman Gregg Harper (R-MS), and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) in introducing the Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine (FAST) Act (H.R. 2799).  This bipartisan bill expands access to stroke telemedicine (also called “telestroke”) treatment in Medicare, and has earned the support of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and the American Academy of Neurology.  Similar legislation (S.1465) has been introduced in the Senate.

Congressman Griffith said, “At a 2001 event, my then-colleague Virginia Delegate Bob Bloxom suddenly began having a significant stroke.  Two doctor-delegates, John O’Bannon and George Broman, promptly rushed to his aid.  Dr. O’Bannon, a neurologist, phoned for an ambulance, and informed the paramedics of Bob’s condition.  Doctors were soon able to administer to Bob the clot-busting Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA), after which he recovered rapidly.  To everyone’s astonishment Bob returned several days later to the Virginia House of Delegates, making remarks on the floor with no discernable impact to his speech or motor functions.  tPA and telestroke ought to be readily available to help improve the chances of recovering from a stroke.  I thank my colleagues for joining me in this effort.”

Congresswoman Beatty said, “As a stroke survivor, I know the magnitude of this disease and its often life changing effects.  Each year nearly 800,000 Americans have a stroke and we should do more to provide the tools needed to better assist and decrease recovery times of stroke survivors.  Advances in stroke treatment like telestroke have proven highly effective in improving the quality of stroke care that patients receive.  I thank Congressman Griffith for putting forward this important legislation and thank all the stakeholders for educating and leading the charge in stroke prevention and treatment.”

Congressman Sensenbrenner said, “As the leading cause of serious long-term disability, improving treatment for stroke patients is critical.  This important legislation expands patient access to telemedicine through modern technology, while saving taxpayer money.  Far too many lives are lost to stroke each year.  Passing the FAST Act will increase the odds of recovery and reduce the harmful effects of stroke on American families.”

“To increase access to timely stroke diagnosis and high quality care; innovative strategies like telehealth are paving the way forward and focusing on what matters most: connecting patients with quality and well-timed care,” said Congressman Harper.  “It is prudent that Congress supports legislation that will help increase the percentage of ischemic stroke patients being diagnosed within 3-4 hours, so that patients are able to receive therapies to avert or reduce disability.  Telestroke technology is broadening patients’ access to care regardless of distance and is ultimately reshaping how healthcare is delivered.” 

“When having a stroke, time is of the essence,” said Congressman Thompson.  “Every tool in the toolbox should be available.  This bill will save lives by allowing stroke patients to be treated quickly via telemedicine no matter where they are located.”

“All Americans deserve access to high quality stroke care regardless of where they live,” said American Heart Association/American Stroke Association President Elliott Antman, M.D.  “That’s why this bill is so essential – it removes a barrier for Medicare beneficiaries so they can receive the improved quality treatment telestroke provides.  The association urges Congress to pass this important legislation that will help prevent long-term disability and improve the lives of all of our nation’s stroke survivors.”

“Telemedicine has the potential to improve the lives of millions of individuals suffering from chronic conditions.  Stroke is a condition that needs to be treated immediately in order to minimize damage to the brain.  This legislation focuses on expanding access to a proven method for treating strokes quickly,” said Terrence L. Cascino MD, FAAN, President of the American Academy of Neurology.  “Stroke patients with access to a neurologist have significantly better outcomes than those that do not.  Reimbursing for telestroke consultations under Medicare will dramatically increase the number of beneficiaries who have timely access to neurologist, ultimately producing steep reductions in disability while saving the federal government money.  It’s a win-win.”   

BACKGROUND:

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death for Americans and contributes greatly to long-term disability and dementia some survivors.  Through telestroke, a patient having a stroke can gain access to specialists through the use of interactive videoconferencing, even if the hospital at which the patient is receiving treatment does not have a stroke neurologist available around the clock.

Telestroke can expand the diagnoses of ischemic strokes and allow patients to more quickly be treated with Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA), a drug that helps dissolve blood clots and reverse disability if administered within the first three to four and a half hours after a stroke.  Currently, Medicare only covers telestroke in the most rural, underserved areas.  This legislation, the FAST Act, would expand coverage nationwide.  Additionally, the American Heart Association estimated it would save approximately $119 million in Medicare spending annually by reducing the need for rehabilitation and nursing home stays.

The text of the FAST Act is attached.

###