“Healthcare providers don’t provide an open environment for conversation – give about 5 minutes of their time”
– Woman in focus group
There needs to be improved care coordination, specifically in relation to improving information sharing and collaboration between healthcare and social service organizations. To increase access to providers that accept Medicaid and implement efforts will enhance the patient/provider relationship and care compliance. The challenges women encounter in finding providers that accept Medicaid can mean the difference between receiving needed care in time and a spiral of unmanaged risk factors that can lead to irreversible harms.
The efforts to improve maternal health practices within clinical settings – in Harris County and through various statewide initiatives – are exciting. They should be supported, and where possible, linked, so as to systematize them and increase their impact.
With over 60 percent of health being determined by factors outside of the healthcare system, it’s important to ensure access to and utilization of key services as a vital part of moving the needle in healthcare outcomes. These include social needs such as food, jobs, childcare, housing, etc. These platforms may streamline the way referrals occur or function as a “go-to-list” for a variety of services.
One in seven women will experience postpartum depression. Postpartum depression screening is now a Covered Benefit for pediatric and primary care providers. Please help new mothers get screened at the well-baby visits. More information can be found here.
MCO Work Group
Heather Butscher – March of Dimes
Andrea Gomez – Texas Children’s Health Plan
Sandy Grantello – AmeriGroup
Jo Lynn Turner – Community Health Choice – Chair