Search Here
Prenatal care has evolved and can be provided to pregnant women and their babies from the comfort of their homes. Care is accessed via digital devices such as smartphones, iPads, and laptops via audio and video calls, text messaging, and other forms of chatting. This defines telemedicine in prenatal care.
While telemedicine in prenatal care has its pros and cons and has recorded positive health outcomes, is it the way to go for high-risk pregnancies?
A high-risk pregnancy is one where the mother, the fetus, or both have an increased risk of health problems or adverse outcomes before, during, or after delivery.
Your pregnancy may be considered high-risk if you:
Book Appointment Now Call For An Appointment
Typically, while prenatal care is needed for all pregnant women, it is crucial for women with high-risk pregnancies. This population of women require special monitoring or care throughout pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Prenatal care in the United States is accessed by 4 million women annually and only 6 to 8 percent of these pregnancies experience high-risk complications. This figure is a lot, running into hundreds of thousands.
Hence, women with high-risk pregnancies will require increased number of prenatal visits, monitoring, tests and examinations, and consultations with their healthcare provider and specialists.
Telemedicine in prenatal care means adopting videoconferences, at-home monitoring, and virtual consultations to replace in-person visits and monitoring at the healthcare facility.
However, not fully. It is impossible to completely rule out in-person visits during prenatal care. Instead, Telemedicine should be seen as a model of care that enhances access to and delivery of health care. The question, however remains, "can high-risk pregnancies benefit from telemedicine visits?"
High-risk patients usually have to work closely with their doctors and care team to prevent, reduce, and manage complications. Generally, they require highly specialized and comprehensive care to manage the several health conditions that may be affecting or may potentially affect the mother, unborn baby or both.
Research shows that prenatal care via telemedicine can be modified for women with high-risk pregnancies. This requires more remote visits to their local OB doctor and other specialists, fetal testing and ultrasound examinations.
The study also suggests that telemedicine is feasible with special recommendations given for certain conditions and services including:
It may seem as though these recommendations have been implemented. A study shows that patients with health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes were instructed on how to monitor their blood pressure and sugar levels respectively at home. The results were transmitted to their providers which facilitated active participation of patients in their care and self-efficacy. Subsequently, results of the study showed similar pregnancy outcomes between telemedicine and conventional prenatal care.
Remote consultations with specialists could also encourage care and delivery of high-risk patients in nearby local hospitals.
As a supplementary health care service, our team at My Virtual Physician is available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise. We also help with electronically sending orders for tests and examinations while you wait for an appointment with a local OB doctor.
We are in network with many insurance health plans including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare and Blue Cross.
Book Appointment Now Call For An Appointment
Many women enjoy the feel of soft-shaven skin. But the red, itchy patches that come after can be a real pain. Razor bumps in sensitive areas like the bikini line are annoying. So how can men and women deal with razor bumps down there?
Razor bumps, technically called pseudofolliculitis barbae, are a common skin complaint. Fortunately, they are preventable to some degree. By protecting skin before, during, and after hair removal, men and women can minimize the effects of razor bumps.
If you're wondering how to save your skin, check out these tips to steer clear of painful razor bumps.
Razor bumps are an uncomfortable sign of skin irritation. For those who already have them, the first step is to keep them from getting worse.
A compress made with salt water can also help soothe the skin. Saltwater cleans and heals the skin by osmosis. To make a "saline soak" at home:
Consider adding a couple of drops of an essential oil, like tea tree oil, to the saline solution for more relief.
When bumps don't go away or become more painful, it may be best to see a doctor.
A physician can tell if the problem is razor bumps or may be something else. Some doctors use antibiotic gels, steroids, or retinoids to treat severe cases.
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to razor bumps, it's very true.
Here's how you can lower your risk of getting razor bumps from shaving.
Find more tips on how to prevent razor bumps here.
Taking care of skin before, during, and after hair removal can go a long way in preventing razor bumps.
If you've tried to treat pseudofolliculitis barbae yourself but find the situation getting worse, it may be time to check with a doctor.
Are you looking for a doctor near you to treat your sensitive issues? My Virtual Physician has board-certified physicians who can address gynecological and primary care problems via video visits.
If you would like to talk with a board-certified doctor, you can schedule your appointment online now. My Virtual Physician offers health screening, lab tests, and counseling to meet all of your healthcare needs.
Women looking for a great Obstetrics and Gynecology provider (OB/GYN) in Las Vegas, Nevada, may have trouble. There is an OB/GYN physician shortage in Las Vegas. And the situation is getting worse.
Factors such as physician burnout, population growth, and competition from other parts of the country have created a shortage of OB/GYNs in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a result, some may have difficulty finding the perfect provider to care for their reproductive health.
Women and their partners want an OB/GYN they can trust. Issues like birth control, childbirth, and menopause are delicate matters. Unfortunately, a shortage means there are not enough providers to meet Las Vegas’ needs. Thus, those doctors who are available may be overworked or stretched thin.
Here is why it’s hard to find a good OB/GYN in Las Vegas and what to do about it.
When there are too few doctors to meet a city's demands, it can be hard to find a provider to respond to each patient’s needs. According to NBC News, America is facing an OB/GYN shortage.
Las Vegas, overall, has the most severe OB/GYN workforce shortage.
Other parts of Nevada face an even more serious situation. Some counties lack even one OB/GYN provider. Hence, patients face delays in care. In some cases they are forced to look far away to find a doctor.
Here’s why it is hard to find OB/GYN care in Las Vegas.
And while Las Vegas OB/GYNs may have it rough, the patients suffer too.
OB/GYNs offer services that women need. They provide health counseling, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and more. From puberty to menopause, women need a health expert they can trust. Many patients depend on OB/GYN advice.
Fortunately, Las Vegas residents can now find the best OB/GYNs, right in their neighborhood.
My Virtual Physician has an answer for the physician shortage crisis. Two of the best board-certified OB/GYNs in the nation are on staff and available for appointments near you in Las Vegas.
My Virtual Physician offers OB/GYN visits in Las Vegas with flexible scheduling through telemedicine. While most providers are busy and feel the pressure to treat many patients quickly, My Virtual Physician is different. Online video visits eliminate travel time and the feel of a busy waiting room. Virtual consultations provide a relaxed, personalized, and patient-centered care experience.
During the pandemic, many patients have had questions about staying safe. Some want to know if vaccination is right for them. Women in Las Vegas can now book a visit with My Virtual Physician to discuss their concerns and get real medical advice. Booking an appointment with an OB/GYN in Las Vegas has never been easier.
Are you looking for an OBGYN near you in Las Vegas? My Virtual Physician has two board-certified physicians licensed in Nevada who can address gynecological problems via video visits.
If you would like to talk with a board-certified OB/GYN, you can schedule your appointment online now. My Virtual Physician offers health screening, lab tests, and counseling to meet all of your healthcare needs.
This past year tested many young businesses. Telemedicine is not new. But the My Virtual Physician (MVP) business model is. The virtual doctor practice offers the best in online doctor services as a direct-to-consumer multi-specialty provider licensed in multiple states. Regardless of 2020's challenges, the MVP virtual doctor team didn't slow down. They focused on their path to becoming the #1 online doctor and forged ahead.
Over the last 12 months, MVP worked hard to bring high-quality medical care into homes in 15 states. They now offer online pediatric, gynecologic, and primary healthcare services for patients of all ages. Plus, they provide same-day scheduling for online physician appointments, some in-network insurance benefits, and five-star customer service.
As the #1 online healthcare provider, MVP doctors get to know their patients. Quality care is emphasized, and they aim to provide the best patient satisfaction in telemedicine. Here’s what patients are saying about MVP's online doctors:
“I would give My Virtual Physician more stars if I could”
“Dr. Howard has the best personality and is very friendly.”
“The future of medical visits; what better way to social distance.”
“A+ would recommend to everyone.”
Since their launch, MVP has opened new offices and added service lines such as nutrition and diabetic care. The practice has partnered with more online doctors and added office staff. Just this Spring, MVP enhanced their patient portal for self-scheduling, and integrated a program to trend patient reviews.
This one year anniversary milestone is cause for celebration. It is exciting, and this is only the beginning. Despite any challenges that lie ahead for this medical practice, their progress shows that the future is very bright for My Virtual Physician.
Congratulations to Dr. Howard, Dr. Masghati, Dr. Ayyagari, and all of the My Virtual Physician Staff.
Stefanie:
Welcome, everyone! Thank you for joining us today.
My name is Stefanie and I'm part of the team here at MyVirtualPhysician. We are a direct to consumer, multi-specialty, telemedicine provider operating in multiple states.
Welcome to Talk Tuesday. We are continuing our weekly educational series, talking with our expert physicians, exploring some common healthcare concerns, and hopefully answering some questions you may have.
Today our physician expert is Dr. Salome Masghati, a practicing gynecologist and minimally invasive surgeon who is one of our telemedicine providers. We are talking about a complaint our doctors commonly see or treat, and that is URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS or UTIs.
Dr. Masghati, thank you for joining us today.
Stefanie:
So let’s cut to the chase Dr. Masghati, can cranberries cure a UTI?
Dr. Salome Masghati:
Many people believe that cranberries or cranberry juice can treat a UTI, and the answer is it's complicated.
There have been many studies on cranberries as a UTI treatment, and research has shown that an active ingredient in cranberries called “proanthocyanidins,” or PCAs for short, is effective in preventing E. Coli bacteria, the most common cause of UTI infections, from attaching to the bladder wall lining and colonizing or creating an infection.
So PCAs or cranberries may help prevent a urinary tract infection but once there is already an infection, that treatment may not be effective.
A cup of cranberry juice may only contain a small amount of this active ingredient with a lot of sugar! Cranberry tablets or pills may be another option for prevention.
Stefanie:
So if someone wants to try cranberry juice for prevention of a UTI, how much should you drink?
Dr. Masghati:
A recent article in Pharmacy Today recommends at least 36 mg of PAC daily.
For the prevention of UTIs, 300–500 mL of cranberry juice cocktail (26% cranberry juice) daily and 400–800 mg cranberry extract twice daily.
Or 36–72 mg of cranberry PAC equivalents per day, found in about 360–720 mg of cranberry extract, has been shown to be effective.2
The research shows some evidence that cranberry products may reduce the incidence of UTIs but the most effective amount and concentration of PACs that must be consumed and how long they should be taken are unknown.
Stefanie:
So cranberry juice and cranberry extract tablets together may help prevent infections but what about someone who already has a UTI?
Dr. Masghati:
Truly if someone has an infection, either their body will be able to fight off the infection, or they may need an antibiotic medication to kill the bacteria that is causing the infection.
Stefanie:
That’s interesting, so you say in some cases a UTI can go away on its own because the body is able to fight off the infection?
Dr. Masghati:
Yes, in some cases. Approximately 25-42% of the time these uncomplicated UTIs may resolve without any medical treatment.
Stefanie:
Ok, so when would it be time for someone to see a doctor about their UTI?
Dr. Masghati:
Untreated infections can spread and become serious. You should talk to your doctor as soon as you suspect a UTI.
Also for signs such as fever, chills, flank pain, or abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting. These can be signs of a serious infection.
Stefanie:
For someone who is going to make an appointment but has not yet, is there anything that they can do to manage the UTI?
Dr. Masghati:
There are some things you can do for relief, or even after you have seen your doctor while you are waiting for an antibiotic to work.
It is important to stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water flushes out the bladder.
When going to the bathroom it is important to try to empty the bladder completely. Some adults with UTI have a frequent urge to urinate or sensation of pressure in the low abdomen which can make it feel as though you need to urinate. Going to the bathroom frequently to empty the bladder can help.
If there is pain in the low abdomen a heating pad may provide some relief.
Over the counter pain relievers such as Motrin or Tylenol can also be taken to help with discomfort.
Stefanie:
Dr. Masghati you have shared some great information today. I appreciate you joining us for Talk Tuesday and helping us understand more about UTIs and cranberry juice. For everyone else joining us as well, this has been Talk Tuesday with MyVirtualPhysician. If you would like to connect with one of our board certified OB/GYNs, or for more information you can check out our website at www.myvirtualphysician.com. We look forward to seeing you again and we hope you have a great week.
Starting a family is a goal for many couples. Unfortunately, one in ten couples may have some difficulty getting pregnant and require medical treatment. If you've been affected, you might be wondering about infertility: when is it time to see a doctor? My Virtual Physician has board certified physicians who specialize in infertility and are available for virtual doctor visits.
Infertility is a diagnosable medical condition in which a couple cannot conceive a pregnancy despite unprotected intercourse. It can be caused by many factors.
In women, most often, abnormal ovulation causes infertility. In men, usually problems with sperm cells, such as sperm count or function, cause difficulty conceiving.
Aside from these physiological causes, factors affecting a couple's fertility include their age, health status, and lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, or smoking.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who are overweight, underweight, or exercise too much may have difficulty getting pregnant, and men who are heavy drinkers or smoke marijuana since these are known to lower sperm count and movement.
In some cases, doctors cannot determine the cause and refer to these cases as unexplained infertility.
Generally, it is time to consult your physician about getting pregnant if you are under the age of 35 and have been unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. Women over the age of 35 and those who have irregular menstrual cycles or have known abnormalities with their reproductive system, should talk with their doctor much sooner, after six months.
Infertility affects both people in the relationship. There is a 30% chance the infertility is related to male factors in a traditional couple, 30% related to female factors, and a 30% chance a combination of both factors. Therefore, anyone in the relationship may need to discuss options for starting a family. Here are some reasons to see a virtual doctor:
When you consult your physician about infertility, you can expect that they will begin your care with a complete history and physical exam. They may order blood testing, urinalysis, hormone tests, or other diagnostics to check for abnormalities. It may be necessary to have your partner undergo an exam and diagnostic testing also. Your physician may order an ultrasound or an X-ray as well.
After all of the tests, you will meet with your physician to discuss the results and go over treatment options and recommendations. After you decide on the treatment plan that is best for you, you will receive support and guidance in your process to get pregnant.
Medical treatment and new technologies can increase your chances of getting pregnant. One or both partners in a couple may undergo treatment.
Medications may be taken by mouth or injected. There are drug therapies for both men and women aimed at increasing egg production or sperm count. A list of medicines frequently prescribed for infertility treatment can be found here.
In some cases, blockages, scar tissue, or abnormal growths require surgical intervention. Procedures may be laparoscopic: meaning performed through small incisions in the abdomen for a minimally-invasive procedure.
Today, the two most common infertility treatments are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
IUI is a procedure during which a physician injects sperm into the uterus at the ovulation time. This method is least invasive and most cost-effective but has lower success rates. The estimated success rate is 10-20% for a single cycle of IUI, but additional rounds increase chances, and in three to six cycles, the success rate is up to 80%.
IVF is a complicated procedure requiring surgical retrieval of a woman's eggs, fertilization in a laboratory, and then transferring the fertilized eggs back into the uterus. Women under the age of 35 can expect a 50% success rate for IVF treatment, but this process requires intense testing and monitoring and can cost $20,000 to $50,000.
Starting a family can be challenging, and your physician may offer options to guide you through the process. Infertility is a medical condition that affects many couples, and there are treatments available.
Need to talk to a physician now? My Virtual Physician has Board-Certified OB/GYN's that are available for virtual doctor appointments and are able to answer any questions you have and guide you in the right direction. The online doctors at My Virtual Physician, not only address infertility and reproductive endocrinology, but also irregular periods and painful periods, and many more gynecological conditions.
If you still have questions or you would like to discuss your problem with our board-certified OB/GYN specialists, click below to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician treats conditions, including infertility, irregular periods, sexually transmitted infections, and more. If you have any suggestions for additional topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to check out our podcasts for more and follow us on social media.
Everyday Health released an article about the importance of making and keeping your appointment to see your gynecologist during the pandemic. If you are interested in learning more, click here to read the article! Make sure to book your appointment with our virtual gynecologist today.
