A single consultation cerebrovascular disease clinic is cost effective in the management of transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke.

Aim: We examined the cost effectiveness of a single consultation strategy to manage patients referred with TIA or stroke to our cerebrovascular disease (CVD) clinic, where all relevant investigations (blood tests, CT brain scan and carotid Dopplers) were obtained prior to the clinic appointment.

Design: Retrospective study of patients referred to the CVD clinic at St George's Hospital, London between October 1995 and 1996.

Results: Of 211 new patients seen in the clinic, 73% had CVD; 146 (68%) patients had imaging studies prior to clinic attendance. Of these, 132 (90%) were managed with a single consultation. This strategy cost 5,700 Pounds less than if these patients had been followed up.

Conclusion: Performing all relevant investigations prior to clinic attendance allowed a fully informed discussion with the patient at a single consultation and was cost effective.