November 6, 2020
The following information is important to help provide pre- and post-natal care and services to Federal Employee Program® (FEP) members. A practice advisory from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reported that pregnant women with COVID-19 may be at increased risk for more severe illness compared with nonpregnant peers although still substantially lower than that of pandemic H1N1 influenza infection during pregnancy. Though there are community efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, these efforts should not inhibit the medically necessary prenatal care, referrals and consultations that are necessary for members.1
Communication between health care professionals during a patient’s pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum medical journey is important. It is important to document the following in the patient’s chart to help ensure coordination and continuity of care:
- Prenatal Visit in First Trimester
- Prenatal risk assessment, including the diagnosis of pregnancy, complete medical and obstetrical history and physical exam as referenced in the ACOG Form
- Prenatal lab reports (e.g., obstetric panel (OB)/toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex and HIV antibody (TORCH) panel/Rubella antibody test/ABO (O, A, B or AB blood group testing)/Rh factor testing)
- Ultrasound, estimated due date (EDD)
- Patient education/counseling
- Post Postpartum
- Documentation of a postpartum visit on or between 7 to 84 days after delivery including an evaluation of weight, blood pressure, breast exam, abdominal exam and pelvic exam.
- Best practice supports calling member within one week after delivery to schedule postpartum follow-up visit.
Thank you for your help supporting positive outcomes for our FEP and all other members.
The information in this article is being provided for educational purposes only and is not the provision of medical care or advice. Physicians and other health care providers are to their own best medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the best course of treatment. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.
1ACOG, Practice Advisory Novel Coronavirus 2019, September 2020 