High risk OB program expanded for SoonerCare
Posted on: 8/23/19
Family practice physicians with obstetrical training and hospital credentials for obstetrical services will have authority to order enhanced services for SoonerCare members with high-risk pregnancies under an Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) rule change adopted at OHCA’s Aug. 21 board meeting.
Current OHCA policy allows only maternal fetal medicine specialists and obstetrician-gynecologists to document the medical necessity of certain additional services for high risk OB patients, such as additional ultrasounds and fetal non-stress tests. This has required pregnant rural SoonerCare members to travel to metro areas to receive needed care.
OHCA policy staff noted that this policy change will address and improve access to care for obstetrical-related services in rural Oklahoma.
The policy change will become effective upon signature by the governor, which is to occur within 45 days.
Additional information on OHCA’s medical authorization process for high risk OB patients can be
found here.
(Rick Snyder)