OBJECTIVE: To calculate costs for patients with ischemic stroke (IS) in common medical practice in Russian Federation. METHODS. Data on resource use for hospital treatment of patients with IS were extracted from 70 medical charts at 2 hospitals at Moscow. Data on resource use for out-patient follow-up for patients after acute myocardial infarction were identified according to experts’ opinion. Six experts filled in the questionnaire for identifying typical follow-up strategy for 1.5 years after MI. Direct medical costs were calculated on the basis of price-lists for medical services and median prices for drugs given in a wholesale pharmaceutical informational bulletin. RESULTS: Median cost for acute period of IS at hospital was 25,187.00 rubles ($789.56) per patient. There was some difference in costs between 2 hospitals, but no statistical significance was found. Computer tomography was performed only in 38% patients (mostly at one hospital). Median total cost for follow-up period in first 6 months after IS was 42,644.50 rubles ($1336.82) per patient for services and drugs mentioned by experts. Median cost for second 6 months was 13,561.08 rubles ($425.11) per patient; each 6 months after it required 9996.69 rubles ($313.38). CONCLUSIONS: According to experts’ opinion carotid endarterectomy is performed in no more than 10% patients after IS.