Upcoming Billing Change Could Make Pregnancy Pricier

Under new billing codes that take effect in January, doctors who manage maternity care will start charging à la carte for visits and services related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. It’s an about-face from recent years, when doctors have often received a single “bundled” payment for maternity care they provided.

Although OB-GYNs strongly back the change and have pushed for it for years, some patient advocates and employers say it’s an open question whether the new system will result in better care or increased patient costs. The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists says the change is crucial to accurately reflect the care OB-GYNs currently provide, with expectant patients — some older and sicker than in decades past — more likely to have complex medical and social needs and receive care in multiple settings from multiple practitioners.