Why is the Department collecting the NIHSS both on Admission and Discharge?
The NIHSS is collected on Admission as it is a measurement used to determine the appropriateness for tPA administration as well as document the condition of the patient on arrival. The NIHSS on discharge is used to determine what is any improvement the patient has made between arrival and discharge. It is acknowledged that it is not the best assessment tool for every type of a stroke but it is required because it is an assessment which can be done to show change. The Stroke Physician Advisory Workgroup has recommended to the Commissioner that the measure be kept as we collect and analyze data after two years of use.
