Search is Powered by Google
Pregnancy / Obstetrics News

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 PST

email icon email to a friend   printer icon printer friendly   write icon view / write opinions   rate icon rate article
Current Article Ratings:

Patient / Public:5 stars

4.63 (16 votes)

Health Professional:5 stars

5 (1 votes)

Article Opinions: 2 posts

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).

Reprinted with kind permission from http://www.nationalpartnership.org. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.

© 2008 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.




Personalized Homepage Weekly Newsletters Daily News Alerts
Opioid Induced Constipation ADHD Anxiety Asthma Autism Cancer Diabetes Lung Cancer Lupus Medicare / Medicaid Obesity and BMI Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells All 'What Is...' Articles All 'How To...' Articles

Ophthalmology Urology
About Us News Licensing Free Website Feeds Free Tools & Content Tell a Friend Accessibility Help / FAQ Article Submission Links Contact Us

add medical news today to your facebook
medical news gadget

Swine Flu Image

Swine Flu Updates

- Latest Swine Flu News
- What is Swine Flu?
- Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
- Swine Flu - Top 20 FAQ
- Daily Email News Alerts
Stick with Medical News Today for the latest news updates on swine flu.


These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months:
Top Article Star
Mother Gives Birth To Twins With Different Fathers, US
18 May 2009
11-month old Dallas-born twins Justin and Jordan have different fathers, a phenomenon known as heteropaternal superfecundation that is so rare there are only a handful of documented cases in the world...


Pregnant Exercise image Pregnant Exercise

Pregnant women can benefit from exercise in several ways. Learn how and guidelines to follow during exercise regimens...

Talking with Your Doctor image Talking with Your Doctor

Talking with your doctor can sometimes be difficult. Good health care, however, depends on an open dialogue between patients and doctors...

View more videos...