In this episode of Quality Matters, host Andy Reynolds is joined by Dr. Tiffany Inglis, National Medical Director for Women’s and Children’s Health at Carelon Health, to explore the Elevance Health Obstetrics Practice Consultants program. A winner of an NCQA Health Innovation Award, the Elevance Health program breaks new ground by bringing value-based care to obstetrics, a field where value-based strategies remain rare. Dr. Inglis discusses the program’s focus on improving maternal health outcomes by addressing racial disparities and providing practitioners with insight and know-how. By emphasizing collaboration and data-driven support, the program improves the care of mothers and babies. 

The conversation further examines the growth and impact of the program since its inception in 2015. Dr. Inglis highlights measurable indicators of success, including double-digit reductions in low birth weight and preterm births. The discussion addresses implications of integrating value-based care into obstetrics, showcasing how this model not only improves outcomes for mothers and babies but also fosters an effective, sustainable health care system.

Key Quote: 

“For me, the surprise has been the impact you can have by taking this approach of value-based care, tied to quality, and then aligning it to provider supports. The member gets better care, the provider gets their value-based care contract stuff taken care of, and the plan gets a better outcome for mom and baby. It's the triple win, a good outcome for everyone. And I think the thing that caught me most off guard was just the scale at which we can improve outcomes and see better care.”

• Dr. Tiffany Inglis

Time Stamps:

00:43 Elevance Health OB Practice Consultants Program’s Impact on Maternity Care

01:45 The Role and Growth of OB Practice Consultants

05:10 The Relationship to Other Quality Initiatives  

08:36 Challenges and Misconceptions in Value-Based Care

12:17 Tips for Implementing Value-Based Care

Links:

Connect with Dr. Inglis
NCQA Health Innovation Awards
NCQA Birth Equity Accountability through Measurement (BEAM) Program