Reimbursement Roadblocks

Inclusive Fertility, Connected Care

Jennifer Sargent talks with Dr. Janet Choi (CMO, Progyny) about turning policy into practice in family-building care. They unpack ASRM’s broadened definition of medical need and what it means for single parents by choice, same-sex couples, and anyone seeking support. From there, they move beyond coverage into delivery: relationship-driven, tech-enabled, multimodal wraparound support that gives families one trusted guide (Progyny’s Personal Care Advocate) for continuity from preconception through postpartum and into perimenopause. The discussion covers integrating mental health and prevention across the lifespan, strengthening handoffs among REIs, OB-GYNs, doulas, and IBCLCs, and why human connection should amplify technology, not replace it.

The Hidden Economics of Women's Health

Join host Jennifer Sargent in conversation with Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald, urogynecologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, as they uncover the hidden financial disparities undermining women's healthcare. Dr. Fitzgerald reveals how OBGYN became the lowest reimbursed surgical specialty, creating ripple effects from surgery cancellations to maternal care deserts nationwide. They explore why women's procedures are systematically valued less than men's, how global pregnancy fees create perverse incentives, and why pelvic floor care—affecting 80% of mothers—remains overlooked. Dr. Fitzgerald shares her bold vision for splitting OBGYN into separate specialties and discusses how the upcoming generational wealth transfer could revolutionize women's health funding.

Building Better Birth Through Value-Based Maternity Care

Join host Jennifer Sargent in conversation with Dr. Michael Udwin, Medical Director at CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield and former OB-GYN, as they explore how to transform maternity care through better communication, team-based models, and value-based partnerships. Dr. Udwin shares insights on integrating doulas and midwives into care teams, engaging providers in quality improvement, and creating longitudinal care that extends from preconception through postpartum. They discuss practical strategies for making care more accessible, the role of Medicaid in driving innovation, and why Dr. Udwin is optimistic about the future of maternal health. Essential listening for healthcare leaders, providers, and anyone passionate about reimagining how we support expecting families.

Reimbursement Roadblocks

Jennifer Sargent speaks with Jodi Neuhauser, CEO and founder of In Women's Health and co-founder of the bipartisan Women's Health PAC, about the critical reimbursement challenges facing maternal health innovation. Fresh from hosting the first-ever Women's Health Reimbursement Summit, Jodi shares eye-opening insights about the systemic barriers preventing maternal health companies from scaling effectively. Discover why doula reimbursement varies dramatically by state—from $350 to $1,500—and how this inconsistency impacts business models and patient access. Learn about the stark reality that the entire women's health ecosystem spent only $1.97 million on lobbying in 2023, while other healthcare sectors spent hundreds of millions. Jodi explains why understanding reimbursement basics is essential for anyone in maternal health and how virtual care models can help address rural maternity deserts. The conversation also explores exciting innovations in maternal health, from personalized monitoring to full-stack care platforms, plus practical advice for professionals looking to break into the women's health space.

Time, Trust, and Technology in Maternal Care

Jennifer Sargent speaks with Dr. Jo'Ann Jackson, Chief Medical Officer at Advantia for the Mid-Atlantic Region, about the frontline challenges facing OB-GYNs today. Dr. Jackson shares candid insights about the primary obstacle in maternal care: time constraints caused by a shrinking pool of qualified providers caring for the same number of patients. Discover how Advantia is leveraging AI scribing tools and administrative technology to give providers more quality time with patients. Dr. Jackson discusses the critical importance of wraparound services—from doulas and lactation consultants to behavioral health specialists—and how she builds trusted referral networks through patient feedback and word-of-mouth recommendations. Learn about the evolving relationship between physicians and doulas, regional differences in maternal care access, and why the fourth trimester remains critically underserved. Dr. Jackson also shares her vision for improving maternal healthcare through expanded telehealth, better postpartum coverage, and universal access to pelvic floor therapy.