Since April 2008, Woodland Heights Medical Center has partnered with Houston Perinatal Associates (HPA) in Houston to offer additional services for the high-risk perinatal patients of East Texas. With this partnership, Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists have commenced monthly clinics at The Diagnostic Center at Woodland Heights. The specialists are associated with Houston's acclaimed The Woman's Hospital of Texas (TWHT), which is dedicated exclusively to the care of women and infants. The perinatal services being offered include, but are not limited to:

• Ultrasound monitoring of high risk pregnancy
• Screening pregnancy for genetic abnormalities
• Consult and co-management with the referring OB/GYN physician of medical complications of the pregnancy

The HPA physicians specializing in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) are obstetricians/gynecologists who have completed three years of additional education and training in the complications pregnant women could encounter. The mission of HPA is to bring specialized treatment to patients with maternal-fetal complications during pregnancy. Four of the six physicians specialize in MFM, while two physicians have specialties in Infectious Disease. These specialists are excited with establishing a close and productive relationship with the Lufkin community and the local OB/GYN physicians.

In 2009, the partnership grew to include an Omniflight transfer helicopter, outfitted with personnel and equipment for critical transports. The transport team consists of a critical care nurse and critical care paramedic along with the pilot. The helicopter cabin is an intensive care like setting, where both mom and baby can get a head start on the care and treatment they need.

The HPA Lufkin Clinic is located at The Diagnostic Center at Woodland Heights at 125 Gaslight Medical Parkway. The MFM specialists will be at the clinic the first Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments can be made at The Diagnostic Center by calling 936-637-8514.