By Lynne Adkins

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A robot is helping to diagnose and treat stroke patients in local communities.

Thomas Jefferson University hospital has placed 28 diagnostic robots in community hospitals to help stroke victims get the care they need.

Neurovascular coordinator Jeannee Birch says the device has a camera and sound system allowing a Jefferson specialist to see and talk with the patient who may be miles away.

“It’s like the physician is there, it pulls up the patient’s images as far as you need to get a cat scan he has access to the CAT scan and really one on one with the physician and family and give a recommendation.”

She says a nationwide shortage of stroke specialists is fueling the need for such creative care.