Big Sky Times

A recent evaluation of The Meadowlark Initiative highlighted the crucial role of care coordination in improving outcomes for pregnant women and their families. According to a Meadowlark Care Coordinator, "When a patient doesn’t show up for a prenatal appointment, I call to see if she needs help. I think this is why we have more return patients." The evaluation found that care coordination is instrumental in engaging at-risk patients and reducing the need for family separation.

The Meadowlark model, which integrates prenatal care and behavioral health providers with community services, has shown significant improvements in prenatal care provision. The average percentage of women receiving adequate prenatal care increased from 68% to 85% in all Meadowlark sites, surpassing the state average of 77%. As stated by a Meadowlark Obstetrics Provider, "I have seen a more rounded and comprehensive approach to our patients and an increased sensitivity to all aspects of care."

Furthermore, the evaluation revealed that care coordination contributes to better screening for depression and substance use disorders. The percentage of sites screening for depression increased from 10% to 70%, while screening for substance use disorders rose from 40% to 90% in Meadowlark sites. This proactive approach has enabled providers to offer appropriate support to patients in need.

In terms of health outcomes, Meadowlark's practical support has helped in reducing the risk of premature births. The percentage of premature births in Meadowlark sites was 8.8%, lower than both the state and national averages. Additionally, care coordinators have played a crucial role in supporting patients with substance use disorders, leading to a decrease in the average percentage of infant removals from 2.6% to 1.4% in all Meadowlark sites.

Despite the positive impact of care coordination, the article notes that reimbursement for prenatal care does not fully cover the costs of this position. To ensure the sustainability of the Meadowlark model, it is suggested that Montana Medicaid and private payers consider enhanced reimbursement for practices implementing this care model.

The Meadowlark Initiative, supported by the Montana Healthcare Foundation and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, continues to transform the way pregnant women receive care in Montana. The full evaluation report can be accessed for further insights into the success of the Meadowlark model.