Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg Recertified as Primary Stroke Center

Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Muhlenberg is recertified as a Primary Stroke Center and earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for stroke care.

“The stroke team at LVH–Muhlenberg is dedicated to quality, compassionate care and is trained at the highest level,” says neurologist Yevgeniy Isayev, MD, Medical Director of Stroke Centers, LVH–Cedar Crest and LVH–Muhlenberg. “Our years of knowledge and experience, and the tools we have at our disposal give our patients the best chance for good outcomes after experiencing a stroke.” 

A team of Joint Commission reviewers visited LVH–Muhlenberg for a rigorous review during summer 2022. During the visit, reviewers toured the stroke unit, interviewed colleagues, observed patient care and evaluated compliance with certification standards

“Primary Stroke Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Deborah Ryan, MS, RN, interim executive vice president, Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. “We commend Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients.”

LVH–Muhlenberg was first designated as a Primary Stroke Center in 2006. Hospitals that receive this designation must undergo a review by The Joint Commission every two years.

“We congratulate Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

LVH–Muhlenberg provides patients who experience a stroke a dedicated team of experts and high quality, individualized care. The stroke team at LVH–Muhlenberg includes a dedicated emergency department physician who specializes in stroke care and a stroke neurologist who has the ability to recognize and treat stroke cases with the highest level of care.

LVH–Muhlenberg also provides rapid assessment of stroke with imaging and the ability to administer clot-busting medicine if necessary. If further care is needed, patients can be transported to the nearest Comprehensive Stroke Center at LVH–Cedar Crest.