Preterm Birth Incentives for Obstetricians (OBs)

Sunshine Health wants to help our members avoid the serious complications and health risks associated with preterm births. That’s why we’re offering incentives to obstetricians (OBs) who meet the preterm birth targets in their Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) region.

OB providers can earn an additional $500 per quarter if they meet the preterm birth target set by the state in their AHCA region for a total of up to $2,000 a year.

Providers will be paid once a year for the quarter(s) in which they reach their regional target.

The program’s goal is to safely reduce the number of preterm births. Babies born early, especially before 32 weeks of pregnancy, have higher rates of death and disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Preterm Births

What factors can lead to early delivery?

• Age: Experiencing pregnancy as a teenager, or at ages 35 years and older
• Lower incomes and/or experiencing stress
• Prior preterm birth
• Viral infections, including COVID-19
• Carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, etc.)
• High blood pressure
• Drug and tobacco use

How can your patients avoid early delivery?

• Quit smoking and avoid alcohol and drugs during pregnancy
• Obtain prenatal care early and throughout the pregnancy
• Seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of preterm labor
• Wait at least 18 months between pregnancies

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Preterm Birth Incentive Program

What providers are eligible?

Obstetricians (OBs) are the only eligible providers.

How is this information being captured?

Sunshine Health utilizes claims data to verify preterm births.

How will payments be applied?

The incentive is applied at the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) level of the provider/group.

What is the criteria?

• OB providers must have a minimum of 25 deliveries per quarter.
  • Note: Providers can qualify for all four quarters
    
• OB providers preterm birth rates must meet the regional targets per quarter, as indicated in the following table.