Full Citation

Title: No Title

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2013

ISBN:

ISSN: 0090-0036

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.301201

NSFID:

PMCID: PMC3617571

PMID: 23409910

Abstract: OBJECTIVES We compared childbirth-related outcomes for Medicaid recipients who received prenatal education and childbirth support from trained doulas with outcomes from a national sample of similar women and estimated potential cost savings. METHODS We calculated descriptive statistics for Medicaid-funded births nationally (from the 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample; n = 279,008) and births supported by doula care (n = 1079) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2010 to 2012; used multivariate regression to estimate impacts of doula care; and modeled potential cost savings associated with reductions in cesarean delivery for doula-supported births. RESULTS The cesarean rate was 22.3% among doula-supported births and 31.5% among Medicaid beneficiaries nationally. The corresponding preterm birth rates were 6.1% and 7.3%, respectively. After control for clinical and sociodemographic factors, odds of cesarean delivery were 40.9% lower for doula-supported births (adjusted odds ratio = 0.59; P < .001). Potential cost savings to Medicaid programs associated with such cesarean rate reductions are substantial but depend on states' reimbursement rates, birth volume, and current cesarean rates. CONCLUSIONS State Medicaid programs should consider offering coverage for birth doulas to realize potential cost savings associated with reduced cesarean rates.

Url: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23409910

Url: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=PMC3617571

Url: http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2012.301201

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Authors: Kozhimannil, Katy B.; Hardeman, Rachel; Attanasio, Laura B; Blauer-Peterson, Cori; O'Brien, Michelle; O’Brien, Michelle

Periodical (Full): American Journal of Public Health

Issue: 4

Volume: 103

Pages: e113-e121

Countries: