Unexpected medical expenses associated with childbirth

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Health Forum, researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School and the Kaiser Family Foundation have shed light on the prevalence and impact of surprise medical bills in the United States. The study, with the DOI of 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2021.1460, focuses on out-of-network clinicians and ancillary service providers, such as ambulances, during deliveries and newborn hospitalizations.

The study, led by Kao-Ping Chua, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Michigan Medical School, aims to illustrate the potential benefits of federal legislation that could protect families from most surprise bills. The research was conducted in an effort to provide valuable insights into this critical issue and contribute to the ongoing debate about health care reform.

JAMA Health Forum, an international, peer-reviewed, online, open access journal, is the journal where the study can be found. The journal publishes original research, evidence-based reports, and opinion about national and global health policy, innovative approaches to health care delivery, and health care economics, access, quality, safety, equity, and reform.

The study includes conflict of interest and funding/support disclosures, ensuring the integrity and transparency of the research. For those interested in reading the full article, it can be accessed via the For The Media website at this link: https://media.jamanetwork.com/ or directly via the JAMA Health Forum website at this link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/10.1001/jamahealthforum.2021.1460?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=070221.

It's worth noting that JAMA Health Forum has transitioned from an information channel to a journal that will solely distribute content digitally and make all content freely available for anyone to read. This move underscores the journal's commitment to making important health policy research accessible to a wide audience.

The study includes information about other authors, their contributions, affiliations, and additional disclosures. The findings of this study contribute significantly to the ongoing conversation about health care reform and the need for policies that protect patients from unexpected medical bills.