Worcester Business Journal

14 Worcester Business Journal • November 23, 2015 www.wbjournal.com A n important new study by the Leapfrog Group shows that more than 60 percent of the reporting hospitals have excessive rates of Cesareans, or C-sections. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Cesarean birth has increased greatly since it was first measured in the '60s, and today, one in three women have C-sections. We, at Harrington HealthCare System, believe that too many of these women are undergoing major abdominal sur- gery without medical necessity, increas- ing medical risks as well as costs. Leapfrog's study, which focused on first-time, low-risk pregnancies that reached the 37th week or later, included 1,222 nationwide hospitals that divulged their C-section rates. Among the report- ing hospitals, only 39.1 percent met Leapfrog's recommended target rate of 23.9 percent, with surprising results among community hospitals and teach- ing hospitals. For example, in Massachusetts, some well-known medi- cal centers reported rates of over 40 percent, while Harrington HealthCare System, based in Southbridge and serv- ing 21 communities in South Central Massachusetts, had the lowest rate in the state at 14.3 percent. At Harrington, we are pleased with our performance yet troubled by the statistics. We hope this information will be beneficial to patients, providers, employers and insurers in the future. The fact is, while C-sections are some- times preferable or necessary – espe- cially when the baby is in distress – most often, vaginal birth is a better option. C-sections may be a more expedient means of delivery, but they have serious risks, including infection and blood clots as well as injuries to other organs, respi- ratory problems for babies, and potential complications for mothers with future pregnancies. Ultimately, safety should be a hospi- tal's first priority, and every baby should be delivered in the safest and least com- plicated manner. Lower C-section rates mean reduced risks — and less risk means less associated costs. Calculating the Costs Baby-delivery costs typically include the services of the obstetrician/gynecol- ogist and anesthesiologist; an epidural, if used; the length of hospital stay; nursery time; laboratory services; medications and medical supplies; and postpartum recovery. The biggest factors affecting the cost of a birth are vaginal vs. Cesarean, com- plications, length of stay and location (with community hospitals typically more cost effective than city medical centers). Factors to consider: • Costs – Looking at the uninsured costs – either billed to the insurance compa- nies or directly to individuals who don't have insurance – vaginal deliveries range from $9,000 to $17,000, compared to $14,000 to $32,000 for C-sections. • Length of stay – The average hospital stay for vaginal childbirth in Massachusetts is 48 hours compared to 96 hours for C-section procedures. • Recovery – Full recovery after a vagi- nal delivery is one to two weeks com- pared to four to six weeks with C-sections. • Additional costs – C-sections increase the chances for costly complications (including specialized care in the neona- tal intensive care unit), additional medi- cation, further costs for more out-patient visits after discharge, and the potential for various long-term health issues for mothers and babies. n Mark Simonelli, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecol- ogist at Harrington. He is a member of Harrington Physician Services and sees patients in Southbridge and Webster. Reach him through Harrington's web site, www.harringtonhospital.org. www.bankatsmcu.com | 866.585.7628 Preferred Lender e U.S. Small Business Administration has recognized St. Mary'S Credit Union as Massachusetts Credit Union of the Year Congratulations to the business lending staff! H E A LT H C A R E << C-sections can double birthing costs BY MARK SIMONELLI GUEST COLUMNIST "Vaginal deliveries range from $9,000 to $17,000, compared to $14,000 to $32,000 for C-sections." Mark Simonelli, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Harrington Physician Services

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