Prenatal Care in L.A. County

It is true that our Medi-Cal system is tremendously overloaded. It is also true that low-income women are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care, and thus are more likely to deliver low-birth weight babies, and that this results in a higher infant mortality rate. What the article failed to mention, however, is that despite recent cuts in state spending for health care, steps are being taken by the state to ameliorate this situation. I think that this effort needs to be acknowledged.

The Department of Health Services conducted a major study called the Obstetrical Access Pilot Program in 13 California counties from July 1, 1979, to June 30, 1982. The project goals were to improve access to care in underserved areas and to improve pregnancy outcomes by providing comprehensive prenatal services. The program registered 6,744 women. The results of the study documented a one-third reduction in the rate of low birth weight for infants of Medi-Cal and low-income women.

As a result of this pilot program, a bill was created and passed (AB 3021) that mandates the incorporation and funding of the methods and benefits provided under the OB Access Pilot Program within the framework of the Medi-Cal program. Now called the “Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program,” the program has been operational since Oct. 1.

For the first time, Medi-Cal providers will now be able to offer comprehensive perinatal services to their patients and be reimbursed for doing so. The goal is that this new reimbursement schedule will act as an incentive for institutions to expand their obstetrical services.

In this age of massive cutback, the state is to be applauded for its generous and well-considered plans to improve the quality of care for low-income obstetrical patients.

LORI S. HARRISON

Community Medicine Coordinator

Family Medicine Center

Glendale