I heard that a university administrator reported that Ob services were financially negative for a department of family Medicine. I have heard this too many times, and it is sad that well-intentioned but disconnected administrators make these claims. Students are particularly vulnerable to these opinions.
Here is some data (Rodney et al J National Med Assoc 2006; 98: 1685-90)reflecting the worst of all possible case mixes. At this time(2000-2003), we were just learning to undo the incorrect information we had received while in the university.
Subsequently, the fellowship in family medicine obstetrics has become self supporting by learning to ethically bill for all of the services we did not know we were providing. Medicos routinely collects an overage of more than $2000 per medicaid delivery for years 2007 onward. Even after opportunity costs for lost time in the office are deducted, this is an underestimate of actual revenue.
In addition to the spiritual issues, this OB activity feeds an entire service line in family planning and pediatrics within the family medicine center.
With best wishes for your professional success
Wm. MacMillan Rodney MD
Clinical Professor and Chair
Medicos para la Familia
Memphis, Nashville, and International
Index--OB revenue
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