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Albany, N.Y. (Vocus) August 19, 2010

CDPHP announces the launch of Mom2Be, a pregnancy notification pilot program, with leading area OB/GYN physician practices. A key component of the Mom2Be program is a partnership with The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) to promote Text4Baby, a free mobile information service for expectant and new moms. CDPHP is utilizing these programs with its members to ensure expectant and new parents get important tips regarding prenatal and postpartum care.

“Going to the doctor regularly will give women the best chance of having a healthy baby,” said Martin Symansky, MD, medical director, CDPHP. “Mom2Be and Text4Baby are two avenues CDPHP is using to reach its expectant members and educate them about their needs during this important time in their lives.”

Developed by the Plan’s perinatal workgroup, Mom2Be helps identify newly pregnant women and get them into their physician offices for frequent and timely prenatal care. The physicians participating in the CDPHP pilot include:

    Edward J. Jacobs, MD – Jacobs, Lee & Burack, PC, Troy and Albany
    Melody A. Bruce, MD – OB/GYN Health Center Associates, LLP, Troy
    W. Bruce Clark, MD – Drs. Clark, Clements, and Syeda, Loudonville
    John J. Brosnan, MD – Albany Obstetrics & Gynecology, PC, Albany

The Mom2Be program was designed using a dedicated secure e-mail system for receipt of notifications from the pilot participants. Upon receipt, CDPHP reviews the information and adds the patient to its prenatal/postpartum program which helps identify individual needs and offer specialized resources to expectant mothers.

“There has never been an effective method for notifying plans regarding newly pregnant members,” said Edward Jacobs, MD, Mom2Be pilot participant. “With the launch of Mom2Be, physicians can now work hand-in-hand with CDPHP to make certain our patients receive the prenatal care they need to achieve a healthy pregnancy.”

Text4Baby

In conjunction with the Mom2Be program, CDPHP is the first health plan in the Capital Region to partner with The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) to promote Text4Baby. A free text messaging service, Text4Baby sends timely tips on topics such as nutrition and immunizations to women from the first trimester of pregnancy through the newborn’s first year.

Women who sign up for the service by texting BABY to 511411 (or BEBE for Spanish) receive three free SMS text messages each week timed to their due date or baby’s date of birth. The messages focus on topics critical to the health of moms and babies, including nutrition, seasonal flu prevention and treatment, mental health issues, risks of tobacco use, oral health, immunization schedules, and safe sleep. Text4baby messages also connect women to public clinics and support services for prenatal and infant care.

“We believe the power of partnership and community can make an incredible difference in women’s and children’s lives,” said Judy Meehan, executive director of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. “Text4baby brings HMHB’s mission to life and with the help of partners like CDPHP, we believe we can be a strong catalyst for change.”

About The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB)

The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) is the only coalition of its kind which acts as a catalyst for change by creating partnerships among community groups, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, businesses and government agencies. The Coalition promotes optimal health for mothers and babies, and works to strengthen families and build healthy communities.

About CDPHP®

Founded in 1984 as a physician-founded and guided health plan, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 24 counties throughout New York with a full family of products. In U.S. News & World Report/NCQA America’s Best Health Insurance Plans 2009-10*, CDPHP garnered the three highest-rated commercial plan rankings in New York state, as well as being rated among the top ten health plans in the nation for its Medicare and Medicaid programs. Visit CDPHP.

*”America’s Best Health Insurance Plans” is a trademark of U.S. News & World Report.

Contact:

Kristin C. Marshall

(518) 641-5031

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