February 2017

Preterm Labor Prevention Program

Blue Cross Community Centennial has the Special Beginnings^® Maternity Care Coordination Program. This program is designed to help pregnant members better understand and manage their pregnancy. There is a program within this program known as the Preterm Labor Prevention Program. Women with a history of preterm labor and/or delivery may be candidates for 17 Alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, or 17-P.  Providers who identify their patients requiring this additional support can work collaboratively with BCBSNM and the Special Beginnings Care Coordinators to implement this program.  For members not previously identified at risk for preterm labor/delivery the following steps are in place:

• Initial Special Beginnings Interview:  A BCBSNM care coordinator conducts initial member questionnaire upon enrollment in the Special Beginnings Program.
• 17-P Candidate Selection: A member’s response indicating a history of preterm labor and/or delivery triggers a Preterm Labor questionnaire to be completed.  This screening helps to identify members who might be good 17-P candidates.
• Preauthorization:  The Special Beginnings care coordinator works with the member and their OB provider to obtain a preauthorization to enable the member to begin 17-P, if indicated. 
• Concentrated Member Engagement:  The Special Beginnings OB nurse will provide weekly outreach and assessments to ensure compliance and monitor for complications.

Women who receive weekly 17-P injections beginning at 16 weeks’ gestation have a significantly reduced risk of preterm delivery. A BCBSNM preauthorization form can be found at https://www.bcbsnm.com/provider/claims/preauth.html.