DCBC a non-preferred provider for BCBS? Any other suggestions for a low-intervention hospital birth?

[Anonymous]

I have the Federal Employee Blue Cross insurance, and learned yesterday from a Blue Cross rep that the DC birth center is not a "preferred provider" which means I would cover 25% of all expenses to deliver there.

#1 Has anyone with BCBS delivered recently at DCBC?

#2 Where should I look for a sympathetic OB who will support a low-intervention birth? Dr. Tcabo is not accepting new patients, and Sibley, Shady Grove, and Inova Fairfax are too far from where I live.

[Anonymous]

I am a patient at Capital Women's Care in Silver Spring (their offices are attached to Holy Cross Hospital). My doctor is Thomas Ein, but they are a group, so I have met the other doctors who might deliver me, too. I have not yet delivered (I am 19 weeks), but they have been prompt, kind, and considerate, and they have two mid-wifes on staff. In my last visit I mentioned my preference for a natural birth, and the doctor said that they are happy to have me deliver according to my wishes and will never push anything on anyone. I know they took my BCBS before I switched to Aetna, and they now take Aetna...so I think you would be okay with your insurance. Perhaps there are other people out there who have delivered with them and could give you more info....good luck

[Anonymous]

Do you have BCBS "basic" or "standard"? I have the "standard" PPO plan (i.e. the more expensive one) and as far as I know, all of my pregnancy-related expenses at the DC Birth Center are fully covered. I am pretty sure the Birth Center IS a Preferred Provider for the BCBS Standard. The open season for health insurance is soon, so maybe you could switch?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have BCBS "basic" or "standard"? I have the "standard" PPO plan (i.e. the more expensive one) and as far as I know, all of my pregnancy-related expenses at the DC Birth Center are fully covered. I am pretty sure the Birth Center IS a Preferred Provider for the BCBS Standard. The open season for health insurance is soon, so maybe you could switch?

Thanks for asking - I just called (again) and the midwives at DCBC are preferred providers for BCBS standard policyholders but the center itself if not, so I guess the center bills through the midwives. Could I ask how you got in there? I've called and left messages four days in a row, but received no response. I'm calling 398-5520. If you have any suggestions on how I could actually get a call back, I'd really appreciate it!

[Anonymous]

I'm not the PP, but I have BCBS standard and I'm also planning on delivering at DCBC (they prefer to be called the FHBC -- Family Health and Birth Center now).

As for how I got in, I just called the same number you're calling, pressed 3 on the automated menu (I don't remember exactly what the recording says, but it's the one to make an appointment or speak with a staff member), and spoke with the receptionist/scheduler person.

I explained how far along I was in my pregnancy and that I was looking to transfer my care to the birth center. The receptionist and I discussed what times/dates were available for my initial appointment and that was it. For your first appointment, they have you come to a lengthy orientation session (it's in the afternoon and lasts a couple of hours, IIRC). After that first appointment, however, I've been able to have my appointments in the morning because that works best with my work schedule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not the PP, but I have BCBS standard and I'm also planning on delivering at DCBC (they prefer to be called the FHBC -- Family Health and Birth Center now).

As for how I got in, I just called the same number you're calling, pressed 3 on the automated menu (I don't remember exactly what the recording says, but it's the one to make an appointment or speak with a staff member), and spoke with the receptionist/scheduler person.

I explained how far along I was in my pregnancy and that I was looking to transfer my care to the birth center. The receptionist and I discussed what times/dates were available for my initial appointment and that was it. For your first appointment, they have you come to a lengthy orientation session (it's in the afternoon and lasts a couple of hours, IIRC). After that first appointment, however, I've been able to have my appointments in the morning because that works best with my work schedule.

Thanks! They answered the phone today and I'm going in for the initial appointment Nov. 3.

[Anonymous]

I'm one of the PPs who asked about which BCBS you have. I went back to look at my statements to see how it was billed, and they do bill under the midwives' names, and all the midwives are BCBS preferred providers. Glad you got in for your appointment. I really like all of the midwives there, and am *so happy* to have transferred my care there (I did it at around 30 weeks).