Writer: Katon Lunsford
Stillwater Medical has partnered with Access TeleCare to expand care for high-risk pregnancies through maternal-fetal telemedicine services.
The program launched in March 2026 and gives expectant mothers access to board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialists through virtual consultations. Maternal-fetal medicine focuses on caring for high-risk pregnancies and conditions that can affect the mother or baby, including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and fetal abnormalities.
Kammy Peters, director of women’s health at Stillwater Medical, said the program helps families receive specialized care closer to home.
“These services are critical for our community hospital because they allow us to safely care for more high-risk pregnancies locally,” Peters said. “In the past, many patients had to travel to Oklahoma City or Tulsa for this level of care. Expanding these services improves access, continuity and outcomes while helping families stay close to home.”
The program provides 24/7 hospital support for patients with high-risk pregnancies. Services include specialist consultations, care for pregnant patients staying in the hospital, and ultrasound interpretation. Patients can also receive outpatient consultations, genetic counseling and specialty ultrasound reviews through telemedicine.
Patients may qualify for the services based on their medical diagnosis and recommendations from their OB-GYN.
Peters said telemedicine helps reduce barriers many rural patients face when seeking specialty care.
“Our patients often deal with transportation challenges, cost concerns, insurance limitations and difficulties coordinating care,” Peters said. “These barriers can delay diagnoses and treatment, which can affect both mother and baby.”
Stillwater Medical uses a mobile telehealth cart with two-way video technology that connects patients and bedside care teams with maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
Blake Porter said the program allows specialists to work closely with local providers while patients remain in their communities.
“Our client hospitals contact us, and we connect through the telehealth cart,” Porter said. “We review the patient’s records, speak with the care team and then meet directly with the patient through video.”
Porter said specialists help evaluate patients and explain treatment plans and next steps to families.
According to Access TeleCare, inpatient maternal-fetal medicine programs have reduced unnecessary patient transfers by 30 percent and helped more families deliver at their local hospitals. The organization also reports that outpatient programs help more than 90 percent of expectant families remain in their communities for delivery.
Peters said the addition of maternal-fetal medicine services supports Stillwater Medical’s continued growth in women’s healthcare and neonatal care.
“I am excited to build a more comprehensive destination for maternal health,” Peters said. “Adding maternal-fetal medicine services along with a Level II NICU allows us to care for more complex patients while keeping families close to home.”
She added that telemedicine makes specialty care more convenient and accessible for expectant mothers by reducing travel and improving communication between local OB-GYNs and specialists.
Porter said telehealth is helping expand access to maternal-fetal medicine nationwide.
“We can provide high-level maternal-fetal medicine care in communities where specialists may not otherwise be available,” Porter said.
