DSHS Prioritizes Maternal Health

Implementation of the AIM Program begins in Texas

In March of 2018 Texas DSHS announced the launch of TexasAIM (Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health). The goal of TexasAIM is to end preventable maternal death by improving maternal safety through the implementation of data-driven maternal safety and quality improvement initiatives. TexasAIM will begin by focusing on Obstetric Hemorrhage, followed by Opioid Use Disorder and Severe Hypertension. Enrollment in the program will is voluntary and will remain open with no deadline. In order to better fit the limited time available to most physicians the bundle information and associated webinars are available on-demand.

Monday June 4th, Registration is recommended by May 25th TexasAIM Leadership Summit and Orientation

Policies and New Recommendations

Steroids in Late Preterm In August 2017 - The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) updated the previous recommendation concerning Betamethasone therapy in patients at risk for preterm delivery within 7 days. "Administration of betamethasone may be considered in pregnant women between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 of gestation who are at risk of preterm birth within 7 days, and who have not received a previous course of antenatal steroids." This is not recommended with suspected chorioamnionitis; and has not been studied in multiples, patients with pre-gestational diabetes or in women treated earlier in pregnancy. Preclampsia Treatment The U.S. Preventative Services Taskforce (USPSTF) recommends the use of aspirin (81 mg) as preventative medication after 12 weeks gestation in women who are at high risk (8%) for preclampsia. What is high risk? It is defined as prior preclampsia, multifetal gestation, chronic hypertension, Type 1 or 2 Diabetes, renal disease and autoimmune disease.

Diabetes Education available Online A new online resource has been launched by Texas A&M Health Science Center with the help of the Coastal Bend Education Foundation. DIOSK.org provides information regarding diabetes and asthma in both English and Spanish.  Preterm Birth Prevention Screening for cervical length at 18-20 weeks by transvaginal ultrasound is covered by DHP. The current recommendations are for cervical length <20 mm to begin vaginal progesterone 200 mg daily. The majority of preterm deliveries do not occur in patients who have had a prior preterm birth.

High-Risk Pregnancies and Cesarean Section Preparation Morbidly obese and high-risk (i.e. long labor with ruptured membranes) patients requiring a Cesarean Section should receive the usual weight related dose of Cefazolin as well as a single dose of Azithromycin 500 mg IV prior to the procedure. This new regimen has been recommended to reduce postpartum complications in some studies by 50%.

Have any Questions? Contact Us!

Provider Services: Hidalgo Service Area 1-855-425-3247 Nueces Service Area 1-877-324-3627   Prescribers & Pharmacies: 1-866-333-2757

Utilization Management: Phone: 1-877-455-1053 Fax: 1-866-741-5650   Support Services: Phone: 1-844-406-5437 Fax: 1-844-407-5437

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