CCMG doctors uses cloud-based technology to provide patient with second opinion

Pregnant with her first child, Briana Keller was excited about the prospect of a new baby. Her excitement quickly turned to fear when the baby was diagnosed with a Subchorionic Hematoma early in her pregnancy. At risk for placental abruption, a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall that can cause life-threatening problems for both the mother and child, Briana was frightened for her baby.

"I was on bedrest from the end of May to October—so, five months or really taking it easy," Briana said. "As a first-time mom, I was scared to death."

However, Dr. Angela Biggs, FACOG, of Campbell County Medical Group OB GYN Specialists, helped ease Briana's concerns. Though the pregnancy was more challenging than some women experience, Dr. Biggs helped Briana better understand the various experiences she was going through.

"She was motherly to me, soft spoken and kind," Briana said. "I knew she'd be there with me."

Dr. Biggs was there with Briana during her 36-week checkup, when premature atrial contractions (PACs) were discovered. The irregular heartbeat that originates in the atria, while rare, can be a sign of more severe heart conditions, but most often corrects itself.

"At 36 weeks they told me she had a PAC because her heartbeat was abnormal," Briana said. "I was thinking I wouldn't have a living, breathing child. The whole pregnancy I felt was not going right. I felt physically and mentally worn out."

After finding the abnormal heartbeat, Dr. Biggs used cloud-based ultrasound program Tricefy to get a send the information to Colorado-based Obstetrix Medical Group for a second opinion. Having that technology available allowed Briana to avoid a long drive to Denver for that second opinion.

"With technology, it has really opened up the door for us to get a second opinion much easier," Dr. Biggs said. "Briana had the ultrasound and I was able to send the images in real time. Getting that second opinion gave her and me a level of confidence going into delivery."

With extensive training and years of experience as a medical professional, Dr. Biggs is eager to build a solid foundation with her patients and support them through every step of pregnancy.

"Not every pregnancy goes the same way," Dr. Biggs said. "Pregnancies can be very challenging and words aren't enough to be reassuring, but I'm with them and on their team the whole way."

For Briana, her fears were eased by Dr. Biggs' explanations, comforting demeanor and the quick second opinion. On October 20, 2015, Briana gave birth to a healthy, full-term baby girl, Kamber O'Dowd.