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Missouri has designated 43 Stroke Centers, the newest component of the Time Critical Diagnosis (TCD) System, throughout the state. The Time Critical Diagnosis (TCD) System is a statewide system that brings together the 911 response system, ambulance services and hospitals in a coordinated way to provide patients the right care, at the right place, in the right amount of time. With the designated Stroke Centers in place, individuals suffering a stroke will receive quicker response times and improved survival and recovery rates. The Stroke Center designation is voluntary.

A list of the designated Stroke Centers can be found here: http://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/chronic/tcdsystem/designatedhospitals.php

Additional information about the specific leves of of Stroke Centers in Missouri:

• Level I Centers function as a resource center within a region. For example, maintaining specialized resources for the most complex patients.


• Level II Centers generally provide definitive care to high volumes of trauma and stroke patients within a region.


• Level III Centers play an important role in providing access into the system and important patient care in non-metropolitan areas and generally refer to a higher level center for definitive care.


• Level IV Centers, a key entry point into the system, provide access into the system in rural areas and stabilize and prepare patients for rapid transfer to a higher level of care.

Designations are made only after a thorough review by a team that consists of a Stroke Coordinator or Stroke Program Manager, one Emergency Medicine physician, one or two Neurologist(s)/Neuro-Interventionalist(s) all with experience in stroke, and one representative from the Department of Health and Senior Services. The designation is valid for four years.