New Mexico is a state with unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access, especially for pregnant women. With a high poverty rate and limited access to maternity care, many communities in the state struggle to receive the care they need. Dr. Mike Ruma, head of fetal medicine and maternal health at Perinatal Associates of New Mexico, recognized these challenges and sought out innovative solutions to bridge the gap.
One of the solutions implemented by Perinatal Associates was the use of tele-ultrasound technology from Philips called Collaboration Live. This technology allowed for real-time viewing of ultrasound images and communication with patients and sonographers, eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances for care. By leveraging this technology, Perinatal Associates was able to expand its reach to rural communities without the need for additional staff or resources.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Perinatal Associates fully embraced telemedicine and tele-ultrasound, conducting remote visits from Albuquerque to 13 clinic locations throughout the state. This allowed MFM physicians to interact with patients and sonographers in real time, providing critical access to perinatal care in underserved areas. The use of tele-ultrasound also enabled the on-site sonographers to give control of the ultrasound system to the physician remotely, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis.
The results of Perinatal Associates’ adoption of tele-ultrasound were clear – the practice was able to touch nearly 9,000 pregnancies out of the more than 19,000 births in the state, providing essential care to communities that previously lacked access. By keeping patients in their home communities for the entirety of their pregnancies, Perinatal Associates was able to offer a wide range of services, from genetic counseling to diabetes management, that were previously only available in major metropolitan areas.
Dr. Ruma’s advice for other healthcare providers is clear – continue to advocate for the use of telemedicine and tele-ultrasound to ensure that underserved communities receive the care they need. The power of telemedicine cannot be understated, and the willingness of patients to engage with healthcare professionals through this technology is evident. By embracing tele-ultrasound, Perinatal Associates of New Mexico was able to significantly increase the number of telemedicine visits from 5,000 in 2020 to 20,000 in 2024, demonstrating the impact and importance of this innovative approach to healthcare delivery.
