Cost Analysis of the Addition of Hyperacute Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Selection of Patients for Endovascular Stroke Therapy.

Background And Purpose: Patient selection is important to determine the best candidates for endovascular stroke therapy. In application of a hyperacute magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for patient selection, we have shown decreased utilization with improved outcomes. A cost analysis comparing the pre- and post-MRI protocol time periods was performed to determine if the previous findings translated into cost opportunities.

An Algorithm for Opioid and Barbiturate Reduction in the Acute Management of Headache in the Emergency Department.

Objective: To develop and implement an algorithm for the management of headaches presenting to the emergency department (ED) in order to decrease the frequency of opioid and barbiturate treatment both acutely as well as on discharge.

Background: Headache is the fifth leading cause of ED visits in the United States. In the case of primary headache, particularly migraine, treatment in the ED can be highly variable.