WashU Ob/Gyn > Patient Information > High-Risk Pregnancy > Maternal Fetal Telemedicine
What is telemedicine?
Maternal-Fetal Telemedicine is the delivery of healthcare services, such as health assessments or consultations, utilizing a telephone or television (video conference). It allows healthcare providers to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients using common technology, such as video conferencing and phones, without the need for an in-person visit.
Washington University Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists are nationally recognized experts in providing obstetric services to women with high-risk pregnancy. Access to these specialists is now available in Southern Illinois without the time and expense of traveling to St. Louis.
Benefits to you and your baby
- No added cost of travel and lodging
- Sophisticated diagnostic and counseling services close to home
- Timely answers to critical questions about your pregnancy
- Potential for genetic counseling appointments
- Weekly consultations available
- You remain in the care of your primary OB while receiving specialty care
What to expect the day of your visit
If you are less than 25 weeks pregnant and having an ultrasound, it is necessary for you to have a “full bladder”. We recommend that you drink 24 ounces of clear fluid, one hour prior to your ultrasound appointment time.
You will be sent paperwork to fill out before your visit. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment at the hospital indicated on your paperwork. After check in, you’ll be guided to an ultrasound room. There, a hospital sonographer will perform your ultrasound scan. Once your scan is complete, the hospital will electronically send your ultrasound images through a BJC Health Care secure electronic network to a Washington University Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) physician who will read the ultrasound images.
If your primary OB ordered an ultrasound only, the MFM physician will read your ultrasound and speak to you briefly to provide guidance for next steps.
If your primary OB ordered an ultrasound and consult you’ll be taken to a consultation room following your ultrasound. Then, through a live video stream, you will have a real time consultation with the MFM physician regarding your ultrasound findings as well as next steps.
We look forward to meeting with you and encourage you to invite your spouse, friend, or family member to accompany you to this appointment if you wish.
If you have questions about your appointment, please don’t hesitate to call us at 314-454-8181.