Maternal-Fetal Telemedicine Services
Women with obstetrical complications, or medical conditions that put them at risk of obstetrical complications, often have to travel great distances to see a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist. For many of these patients, a true face-to-face appointment isn't necessary.
Referring physicians and patients can decide to use UPMC's MFM teleservices, rather than a personal consultation in Pittsburgh.
UPMC MFM specialists can:
- Collaborate with obstetricians and primary care physicians of at-risk, high-risk, or complicated obstetrical patients, before and during pregnancy
- Provide consultations
- Offer patient management recommendations
- Triage patients to telemedicine consultation, if appropriate, based on their condition
How Maternal-Fetal Telemedicine Works
Via telemedicine, the MFM specialist at UPMC:
- Receives and reviews the patient's records from the referring provider's office
- Outlines recommendations for ongoing management of the patient’s care
- Sends the recommendations to the referring physician, who continues to manage the patient’s care in the local community
- Performs follow-up consultations, if necessary
Benefits of Maternal-Fetal Telemedicine
Telemedicine gives women outside of Pittsburgh easier and earlier access to UPMC MFM specialists.
These early interventions can help:
- Prevent progression of obstetrical complications during pregnancy
- Increase the likelihood of delivering at the local hospital with the primary ob-gyn
Candidates for Maternal-Fetal Telemedicine
Ideal candidates for telemedicine consultations with UPMC MFM specialists include women:
- With known medical problems in pregnancy, such as:
- Seizure disorders
- Clotting disorders
- Thyroid disease
- Chronic hypertension
- Gestational diabetes who require medication for adequate control of blood glucose levels
- Seeking preconception counseling due to poor obstetrical history or pregnancy-related medical problems
- Seeking consultation regarding recurrent pregnancy loss
Learn More
Check out our telemedicine news stories, or read this one that mentions maternal-fetal telemedicine:
