The U.S. maternal mortality rate is the highest of any high-income country. This rate is more than double that of other countries at 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to data from 2023.
The maternal mortality rate for Black women is significantly higher at 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. If clinicians and patients are aware of risk factors and can track them, it can make a significant difference, not only towards easing maternal mortality rates, but also for reducing healthcare costs.
Preterm pregnancy risk factors include previous preterm births, multiple pregnancies, substance use, and short intervals between pregnancies. Addressing complications from the moment a pregnancy is confirmed can help ensure a healthier pregnancy.
A new report from ProgenyHealth highlights the importance of taking a multipronged approach to identifying and managing risk factors for maternal health and taking steps to reduce the risks of premature births. The report offers insights as to how health plans can utilize a high tech, high touch approach to improve risk management and lower overall costs of birth.
“We are moving from a strictly medical focus to behavioral health, and social determinants of health,” said Linda Genen, MD, MPH, ProgenyHealth Chief Medical Officer. “This means treating people as a whole, which includes factors such as anxiety, diet, substance abuse, and postpartum depression.”
Embracing an integrated maternity and NICU care management approach would enable:
- Timely member identification and enrollment
- Risk stratification and ongoing risk assessments
- Mobile app-based support to drive program engagement
- Telephonic case management
- Support interventions to solve clinical issues, social determinants of health, and ensure health equity
- NICU Utilization and Case Management, should a NICU admission occur
- Extended care for mother and infant through the first 12 months after delivery
“Health plans are partnering with innovators who are more proactive in managing maternity cases.” said Dr. Ellie Stang, ProgenyHealth founder and executive chairwoman. “They seek partners who can manage these cases holistically to drive health equity and quality outcomes for their members.”
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