Donation provides equipment for prenatal virtual appointments at CMH clinic

Thanks to a generous donation from the Citizens Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and a matching gift by an anonymous donor, CMH OB/GYN Clinic, Bolivar will provide prenatal virtual appointments for some area expectant mothers.

“Many providers now offer prenatal telemedicine visits to some low risk patients,” says board certified OB/GYN Shelly Meents, M.D. “There are appointments when ultrasounds, physical exams and blood work aren’t needed. Women can take advantage of a telemedicine appointment with us which allows our physicians to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients at a distance using digital technology.”

Patients are provided an automatic blood pressure machine and fetal heart rate Doppler. The equipment is returned after delivery.

CMH Auxiliary donated $5,000 to help get the project started.

“We are extremely grateful to our Auxiliary for supporting this project, especially during this very challenging time in health care. We have patients that travel over an hour one-way for care. We want our moms and babies to be healthy so the option for women to stay at home improves the quality of care we provide to our patients,” Meents says.

Other specialists at CMH OB/GYN Clinic include board certified physicians Sarah Kallberg, D.O., Ashley Lane, D.O. and nurse practitioner Kelly Raney, FNP-BC.

CMH OB/GYN offers well woman care, complete pregnancy care, 3D/4D ultrasounds, infertility testing and treatment, as well as laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation services. The physicians perform laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery, robotic-assisted surgery and an in-office Her Option endometrial ablation procedure.

CMH OB/GYN Clinic accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. To schedule an appointment call CMH OB/GYN at 417-777-8131.

Virtual Care at CMH

Citizens Memorial Hospital offers telemedicine appointments though the CMH Patient Portal.

Telemedicine technology connects patients with their provider or behavioral health professional over a secure connection. It allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients at a distance using a smartphone, tablet or laptop with a webcam.

Under current guidelines, telemedicine visits are billed to Medicare, Medicaid and insurance plans the same as regular office visits. Patients will be billed for their normal co-pays if applicable.

Telemedicine appointments can be used for primary care, behavioral health and specialty care appointments. Patients should contact their doctor’s office for more information.