title: An analysis of cesarean deliveries among Pennsylvania Blue Shield subscribers.
abstract: In recent years, increased attention has focused on the relatively high rate of Cesarean deliveries in the U.S. Though the medical necessity and indications for Cesarean deliveries have been heavily debated, there still remains considerable disagreement among professionals about which Cesarean deliveries are inappropriate. To contribute to an understanding of these issues, Pennsylvania Blue Shield prepared a profile of Cesarean deliveries in Pennsylvania relative to Blue Shield's claim experience. The results of the study are presented in this article.
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Seattle.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ricci
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Beam
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Gigliotti
authors.forename: G F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Rosetti
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wickizer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054598:Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011247:Pregnancy; D013038:Specialization; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends