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

• Get answers to frequently asked questions about telemedicine.
• Contact us about MFM telemedicine services at UPMC.
• Learn more about the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.

Check out our telemedicine news stories, or read this one that mentions maternal-fetal telemedicine:

• Doctor, Can You See Me Now? More Hospitals Are Using Video to Connect Patients With Specialists Far Away, Speeding Treatment from The Wall Street Journal.