A new study out in Health Affairs shows that cesarean rates vary widely depending on the hospital. Some hospitals have cesarean section rates as low as 2% while others are as high as about 70%. This wide of a range is due to how doctors practice as opposed to what women need.
Currently the cesarean is the number one surgical procedure done in the United States. About one in three babies is born this way. The reason that this is of concern is because of the added risk to babies, moms and future pregnancies. I'd also be lying if I didn't say that insurers, including Medicaid, are concerned because of the added costs in this and future pregnancies.
My take home message for you is that your choice of provider and place of birth is critical in terms of what your risk of surgery really is in labor. While you might think it's more about your medical history or choices you make in labor, ultimately the choice of where and with whom to have your baby is primary prevention when it comes to cesarean section rates.
How did you pick your provider?
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Source:
Kozhimannil, Katy Backes, Law, Michael R., & Virnig, Beth A. (2013). Cesarean Delivery Rates Vary Tenfold Among US Hospitals; Reducing Variation May Address Quality And Cost Issues. Health Affairs, 32(3), 527-535. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2012.1030
Photo © Rigg
Cesarean Rates Vary Widely - Choose Wisely originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Thursday, March 7th, 2013 at 09:15:34.
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