Economic analysis of two models of low-risk maternity care: a freestanding birth center compared to traditional care

Res Nurs Health. 2000 Aug;23(4):279-89. doi: 10.1002/1098-240x(200008)23:4<279::aid-nur4>3.0.co;2-f.

Abstract

Costs were compared for two models of maternity care for low-risk pregnant women: a freestanding birth center (FSBC) and a medical model of care (MC). Sixty-nine subjects were enrolled in the FSBC group and 77 in the MC. In the FSBC group, prenatal costs were higher (mean difference $751, p </=.001) and childbirth care was less expensive ($1472, p </=.01). When costs for the entire maternity care episode were summed, there were no differences between groups ($6087 vs. $6803). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the FSBC could be more cost-effective than MC if it increased its volume.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Birthing Centers / economics*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Delivery Rooms / economics*
  • Delivery, Obstetric / economics
  • Female
  • Health Care Costs*
  • Humans
  • Maternal Health Services / economics*
  • Maternal Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Models, Econometric
  • New York
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care / economics
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity