Maternal Health Awareness Day reminds us of the need for timely, accessible prenatal, labor and delivery, and post-natal care. At Access TeleCare, we leverage technology and advanced clinical expertise to support maternal health outcomes by bridging gaps in care and supporting local healthcare providers in delivering exceptional care to mothers and their babies.
Approximately 700 women die annually from pregnancy-related complications in the U.S., one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. However, as many as half of these deaths are preventable. Factors such as access to timely medical interventions and ongoing prenatal and postpartum care play a critical role in determining outcomes. With fewer than 2,000 maternal-fetal medicine specialists nationwide, nearly all of whom practice in large urban centers, and a shortage of obstetrician/gynecologists, access to timely care remains challenging for pregnant individuals in much of the country.
“We believe that all pregnant individuals deserve access to high-quality care, no matter where they live. Through innovative telemedicine solutions, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that mothers and their babies have the best chance for a healthy future,” said Blake Porter, M.D., chief of maternal-fetal medicine at Access TeleCare.
Telemedicine is one solution to the maternal health crisis. By increasing access to local care for expectant mothers, particularly in underserved and rural areas that often have no practicing maternal-fetal medicine specialists or obstetrician/gynecologists, Access TeleCare brings highly qualified, compassionate experts to local communities for prenatal care, ultrasound readings and diagnostics, and co-management of high-risk deliveries.
“While we celebrate healthy births and thriving families, we must also stand with those who have experienced the heartbreak of pregnancy complications, loss, or challenges,” Porter added. “Every story matters, and through accessible, high-quality care, we strive to make a difference for every family we serve.”
Access TeleCare’s teleMaternal-fetal medicine (MFM) program supports local, community-based maternity providers in:
- Reducing unnecessary transfers.
- Increasing the number of local deliveries.
- Improving perinatal and maternal outcomes.
- Enhancing ultrasound interpretations.
Our inpatient MFM programs have reduced transfers of pregnant women by 30 percent and increased the number of deliveries at local hospitals. Additionally, our outpatient programs keep more than 90 percent of expectant families in their local communities for delivery. Our advanced practice sonography team consistently identifies abnormalities in 7 percent of ultrasounds originally deemed “normal” by other sonographers. This enhanced detection means more comprehensive treatment plans, better planning, and, ultimately, healthier outcomes for moms and babies.
At Access TeleCare, our mission is to empower healthcare providers with the tools and expertise needed to deliver timely, exceptional maternal care. By integrating telemedicine into hospital and clinic systems, we’re helping maternity providers expand their reach, improve patient outcomes, and ensure that mothers and babies receive the care they deserve, no matter their location.
Learn more about our teleMaternal-fetal medicine services here.
