Effect of managed care on perinatal transports for the publicly funded in upstate New York.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) status influences perinatal transfer rates among publicly funded individuals in a well-regionalized area.


METHODS
Perinatal transport rates were determined from deidentified data from the NYS Perinatal Data System (PDS). The predictor of interest was managed care status. Covariates included maternal, newborn, and regional variables.


RESULTS
The unadjusted probability of maternal transfer was 28% lower among women enrolled in MMC vs those with Medicaid Fee-for-Service (MFFS) (odds ratio (OR)=0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63 to 0.82). When adjusted for clinical variables influencing maternal transfer and hospital level, women in managed care were 44% less likely to be transferred (OR=0.56; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.86). Newborns were transferred at similar rates regardless of managed care status.


CONCLUSIONS
MMC status remains a significant independent predictor for maternal transfer in upstate New York (NY). Despite a well-regionalized organization for perinatal care where pre-existing written protocols for transfer between institutions are established independent of insurance status, managed care may influence decisions on nature and location of care delivery.
Sinkin
Robert A
RA
Department of Pediatrics (Neonatology) (R.A.S.), University of Rochester Medical Center, Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. robert_sinkin@urmc.rochester.edu
Fisher
Susan G
SG
Dozier
Ann
A
Dye
Timothy D
TD
D000328:Adult; D018588:Fee-for-Service Plans; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019458:Insurance Coverage; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D008484:Medicaid; D009518:New York; D010360:Patient Transfer; D011247:Pregnancy; D012041:Regional Medical Programs; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014481:United States