The complexities of fetal imaging mean that detecting subtle or rare abnormalities demand an exceptional level of skill and precision. Sonographers’ ability to accurately perform and interpret ultrasounds is paramount, directly influencing the course of care and, ultimately, patient outcomes. Access TeleCare places a strong emphasis on the advanced capabilities of its sonography team.
“Our advanced practice sonographers are truly the eyes of our teleMFM program,” says Blake Porter, M.D., chief of maternal-fetal medicine at Access TeleCare. “Their skill in acquiring precise images is fundamental to our ability to deliver accurate diagnoses and guide complex care plans from a distance.”
Raising the Standard: Access TeleCare’s Advanced Practice Sonography Team
Access TeleCare is committed to raising the standard of care in teleMaternal-fetal medicine programs through our dedicated team of advanced practice sonographers. Each of our sonographers holds the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential. This rigorous certification, earned after passing comprehensive examinations in sonography principles and OB/GYN specifics, signifies a proven competence that extends far beyond basic imaging. This credential represents a depth of expertise that can mean the difference between detecting a rare congenital heart defect and missing it entirely.
The Impact of Expertise: Catching What Others Miss
The impact of having such highly credentialed professionals is profound. Our advanced practice sonography team consistently identifies abnormalities in 7 percent of ultrasounds originally deemed “normal” by other sonographers. This enhanced detection capability translates directly into more comprehensive treatment plans, better informed decision-making for families, and ultimately, healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies.
A Life-Changing Difference: The Rare Cardiac Defect Case Study
Consider the case of a pregnant patient whose initial ultrasound at her local birthing center overlooked a rare cardiac defect. A second opinion performed by Access TeleCare’s advanced practice sonography team found the anomaly. Within minutes of this crucial detection, our maternal-fetal medicine specialist was consulted, and a diagnosis of double outlet right ventricle with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary atresia was confirmed.
This rare and complex diagnosis required surgery to correct, necessitating a team of pediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, neonatologists, and MFM specialists for monitoring and management through prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care. With this ultrasound finding, the pregnant patient, in consultation with her local obstetrician and our virtual MFM specialist, could make an informed decision about delivering safely at an advanced facility equipped to handle the rare condition. This early intervention, made possible by our sonography team’s expertise, significantly increased the likelihood of a positive outcome delivery.
“This case perfectly illustrates the power of combining advanced sonography with teleMFM expertise,” Dr. Porter adds. “It’s about creating a safety net for complex pregnancies, ensuring no critical detail is missed and every family receives the optimal care pathway.”
Peace of Mind and Collaboration
Having Access TeleCare’s advanced practice sonography team as part of our teleMaternal-fetal medicine program provides invaluable peace of mind for both providers and patients. It ensures that no detail is overlooked and that even the most subtle indicators of complex conditions are identified, fostering a robust and collaborative team-based approach to high-risk pregnancy care.
Learn more about our comprehensive team-based maternal-fetal medicine programs and why having registered diagnostic medical sonographers on board is key to raising the standard of care.
