Midwifery Care Associates and BCBCS Insurance (basic)

[Anonymous]

I have an appointment in mid-December with Midwifery Care Associates in Bethesda
and I am really excited to be switching from an OBGYN practice (which never
felt right for me) to the midwives' group.

I saw on MCA's website that they accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield and talked to a
receptionist there who said they accepted it. I'm curious whether
anyone who's used the them has Blue Cross/Blue Shield federal employee
basic option plan. That's what I have. I just don't want any unpleasant surprises
concerning whether they're a preferred provider since I have to stick "in network"
with the basic option. I called BCBS and they said the physicians at MCA are
preferred providers but they don't have the midwives listed, so I'm just hoping there
wouldn't be any problem with seeing the midwives. I'm sure it will be fine, but
anything insurance-related makes me nervous!

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I had the same concerns but it seems to be OK, so far. I just started as well, had my first appointment and no surprises yet.

BCBS Fed. has Simmonds under their plan and the midwives are with Simmonds, so it should be OK.

I am also very excited to swtich from my 20-doctors practice OB-GYN!!

I also took the tour in Shady Grove Hospital and (I nevr thought I woudl say this about a hospital) it's GEORGEOUS! Really cozy, quiet, clean, beautiful rooms and nice people. I really really liked it.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP here: Thanks! I'm glad to hear you are in same boat and things worked out so far. Yes,
I am hoping that as long as they bill under Dr. Simmonds it shouldn't be a problem. Glad
to hear that you liked Shady Grove. I haven't been on the tour yet, although I've heard good
things.

[Anonymous]

I think generally that if the doctors in the practice are covered, so are the non-doctors (e.g., in another context, if you see a physician's assistant somewhere or a nurse or whatever, the visit is still covered). I would think that the practice has had this question before, though, and should be able to address it directly -- and I'm a little surprised that BCBS couldn't give you a straight answer. Good luck!!