Which prenatal visits can happen by telehealth?

What does the evidence say about telehealth prenatal care?

1. ACOG supports remote prenatal appointments when the care plan still provides the required services. A video call can support a discussion, but a scan or laboratory sample needs a separate arrangement. Before converting an office visit, ask exactly what was scheduled for that day and how each necessary service will be completed. 1
2. Privacy, technology access, and a way to move to in-person care are part of a responsible telehealth service. Tell the practice if your connection is unreliable or you cannot speak freely where you live. Ask for a backup telephone number and an alternative appointment format instead of trying to work through a visit you cannot use. 2
3. Remote appointments can be useful for reviewing medicine questions if the clinician has the complete information. Set out the containers or label photos, doses, and reasons you take each item before the call. Do not stop an ongoing prescription while waiting for video advice, and do not assume an over-the-counter product needs no discussion. 3
4. A prenatal panel requires a blood sample. If the discussion of results occurs online, that does not remove the need for the original sample or any further testing the clinician recommends. At the end of the call, confirm which results are final, which are still pending, and whether a new order was placed. 4
5. An online appointment is not an emergency response service. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe persistent headache, fainting, substantial bleeding, or decreased fetal movement require prompt medical attention. Use the urgent contact instructions from your maternity team, or emergency services when necessary, rather than waiting in a virtual queue. 5

What should a telehealth prenatal plan cover?