In my most recent pregnancy, I was disgusted to learn that if I went to an OB for care I would pay a $20 copay for each visit, but if I went to a CNM, she was considered a “specialist” (ANY “advanced practice nurse” was considered a “specialist” by my insurance), I would pay $25 per visit. I even called customer service and argued vigorously that they were paying less for me to see the midwife (who I ultimately decided not to use, instead I paid out of pocket for a CPM) yet charging me more, and I got no where.

Now if the CNM worked for an OB and the billing was in the name of the OB…$20.

Any wonder that my insurance, since it was through the Chicago Tribune, was based in Chicago, the home of the American Medical Association, a group that wants to make sure that “non-physician care providers” are not able to work unless they are the employees of MD’s? (“Scope of Practice” rules)

We will win this battle, but it will take several more generations. Don’t lose hope, don’t give up…just know that we are fighting all that is evil on the planet right now and we will win!

Jenny Hatch
twenty year birth activist and mother of five!

I just did 2 posts about this. One on the craziness that they are “allowing moms to drink” Then a fellow doula wrote a survey of her own.