Teleconsultation
When we published the Reports on the Blueprint to Improve West Virginia Perinatal Health in 2007, the only board-certified perinatal specialists in West Virginia were located in Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown. Women and babies needing the services of high-risk specialists often have to travel long distances for them. Many do not keep appointments because of the long distances on difficult West Virginia roads.
Other states use telemedicine to bring consultative expertise to patients and community-based physicians in rural areas, saving transportation cost and time. In addition, community-based physicians receive valued support of their primary care delivery. In addition telemedicine also gives health care providers access to continuing education lectures that are given at medical schools.
Telemedicine is the delivery of medical care or services from a distant site. Telemedicine utilizes interactive video and audio teleconferencing technology that allows a physician at a specialty center to see the patient and/or sonogram in real time (almost at the same speed as in person). When needed, specialized ultrasound equipment can digitally transfer a sonogram image to a specialty center. The Partnership is committed to better utilizing telecommunications for perinatal consultation and training and make recommendations.