![]() Reimbursements for that program can be substantially lower than for private insurance plans. Around 9% of the state’s residents have no health insurance, according to a report from the Census Bureau, and almost half of the births in Alabama are covered by Medicaid. ![]() In some cases, keeping maternity units open is a financial challenge, since the departments aren’t always profitable, several Alabama physicians said. “We will support a smooth transition of care for patients and Brookwood Baptist Health remains committed to providing outstanding maternity care within our network,” the statement said. A spokesperson for the network declined NBC News’ request for an interview but said in a statement that the decision came “after careful consideration.” The hospitals losing obstetrics departments in Birmingham and Shelby County are both part of Brookwood Baptist Health, a health care network with five hospitals in Alabama. The state has banned almost all abortions since June 2022. The closures come as the need for obstetrics care in Alabama is anticipated to rise as a result of its abortion laws. ![]() “If you show up with a very premature baby and deliver in the ER, and you don’t have a NICU and you don’t have an obstetrics team, things aren’t going to go well.” Jesanna Cooper, an OB-GYN who formerly worked at Princeton Baptist Medical Center, the Birmingham hospital closing its maternity services. “People are going to show up delivering in the ER, and you’re going to have bad outcomes,” said Dr. Physicians currently or formerly affiliated with the Alabama maternity units about to close fear the consequences for pregnant women and babies, especially if people are not able to reach birthing hospitals quickly enough in emergencies.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |