Medically Unnecessary Procedures Drive Rising Childbirth Costs, Report Says

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 10 Oct 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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Childbirth is the top reason for hospitalization in the U.S., but there is a lack of scientific evidence that many costly, high-tech procedures used in maternity care are beneficial for most women, according to a report released on Wednesday by a group of research and advocacy organizations, USA Today reports. The Milbank Memorial Fund, the Reforming States Group and Childbirth Connection released the report, titled "Evidence-Based Maternity Care: What It Is and What It Can Achieve."

The report found that U.S. hospital charges for maternal and newborn care increased from $79 billion in 2005 to $86 billion in 2006. The report states that reducing use of expensive maternity techniques -- such as caesarean sections -- and increasing low-cost approaches -- such as childbirth assistants -- would not only lower medical costs but also would improve women's and infants' health. More than $2.5 billion is spent annually on unnecessary c-sections, which now make up almost one-third of all deliveries, the report said. The average hospital charge for an uncomplicated vaginal birth in 2005 was $7,000, compared with $16,000 for a complicated c-section, according to Maureen Corry, executive director of Childbirth Connection and a co-author of the report.

Douglas Laube -- a former president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a reviewer of the report -- said "very significant external forces," including "economic incentives" for hospitals and physicians to use certain procedures, contribute to the overuse of expensive medical technology in maternity care. Some physicians also order unnecessary tests and procedures to protect against malpractice suits, Laube said (Rubin [1], USA Today, 10/8).

Recommendations

USA Today also included a list of recommendations from family practice doctor Valerie King of the Oregon Health & Sciences University on ways to reduce costs and improve outcomes in maternal care. The recommendations include reducing c-section rates, increasing the use of doulas and better educating women about the risks and benefits of procedures (Rubin [2], USA Today, 10/8).

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