The heartbreaking closure of maternity wards across the US, as exposed in this article is a symptom of a much larger crisis. We have some of the worst maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the developed world, and there's an elephant in the room we can't ignore any longer: money.
Look, most OBGYNs don't go into this field chasing riches. We deliver babies, fight for women's health – it's a calling. But the reality is, the job is grueling. The hours are brutal, the toll on our families and bodies immense. At some point, even the most passionate among us recognize that dedication doesn't pay the bills.
The current reimbursement rates for OBGYN care are simply unsustainable. Hospitals can't keep labor and delivery units open, and qualified professionals are leaving the field in droves. This projected shortage of OBGYNs can only worsen the already dismal outcomes for mothers and babies.
We need to stop pretending money isn't a factor. As a nation, do we truly value women's health? If so, it's time to show it. We need reimbursement rates that reflect the incredible responsibility OBGYNs carry and incentivize quality care. We need maternity wards to stay open, staffed by passionate professionals who can deliver the care our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends deserve.
#maternalmortality #womenshealth #healthcarecosts #OBGYNshortage
#womenshealthcare
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NICU & Perinatal RN Care Manager | Infant Safe Sleep Ambassador | Committed to Enriching Care & Enhancing Outcomes through Education, Advocacy, and Evidence-Based Practice
2moPomelo Care I just read through the Data presented to the ACOG 2024 Clinical & Scientific Meeting and I am very impressed! I’ve been in perinatal & neonatal care management for 15 years and have been part of the implementation of OB & NICU care management programs at three different companies, so trust me when I say that the team at Pomelo Care is doing amazing work! When I first learned of Pomelo last year I was thrilled to see what you were all building. I’ve said for years that something like Pomelo is what was needed. It’s challenging for individual companies to implement care management programs dedicated to this population. If they do develop them there are challenges to maintaining them, which includes finding experienced talent to work with members. Working with one organization dedicated exclusively to perinatal care is an ideal solution. The company’s will see improved outcomes immediately without having to cope with the growing pains. Keep up the great work!