Induction at 39 weeks and NST co-pays

lsleeper22 · February 2013

MY Dr. said today that they usually plan to induce at 39 weeks. This seems odd to me. I would think if induction were to happen it would only be post due date or if medically neccessary, not simply their general policy. I think she saw the concern on my face and followed the statement up with "we'll play it by year", so I let it go for now. With that said, has anyone else discussed their Dr's plans/policies for induction or have more experience/knowledge about typical practice they could share?

Also, for anyone that goes in for NSTing, do you usually have a co-pay? Starting last Friday, I go twice a week, once with the specialist and once with my regular OB. The specialists office does not charge for the NSTing (saying there is only a co-pay if I see the physician), but today I was charged at the regular OB office and they when I inquired they said it is for any office visit. It just doesn't make sense to me that I'm charged at one and not the other. What is everyone else's experience with this? Are you always charged co-pays. I'm just wondering if I should call my insurance to inquire further... just makes for an expensive month of Dr. visits.

magel050485 · February 2013

My OB doesn't induce unless medically necessary before your due date. Now, if you are attempting a VBAC they will sweep your membranes but that's it.

Is your OB doing the NST then discussing it with you? If so, I think they are in the right charging your copay since you are having an office visit afterwards. I'm actually surprised the specialist isn't charging you a copay. I don't pay a copay each visit- I just pay for all four the first visit of the month- but I have an NST weekly and then my OB visit. At my office anytime you see someone (except for getting staples removed after a c section or for depo shots) you pay a copay period- regardless of if it's an NST and visit, Pap smear, prenatal/ postnatal visit... whatever- because you are paying for the Dr or nurses time.

PandasMama0626 · February 2013

Apparently now days, OBs have the option to offer elective inductions. Mine does and prefers it, but doesn't push it by any means. Its just more convenient for them to schedule deliveries and really doesn't serve any other purpose than that. In all honesty, I like the idea to some extent because then I am guaranteed to get my OB rather than whoever is on call. And it usually depends on how your cervix is looking at the time. Its your 0% effaced and not dilated, your considered not a good candidate for elective induction. If your 3cm though and 50% or more effaced, chances are you would do well with an induction. If you truly do not want to be induced, make it clear to your OB. They can't force it and if there is no real medical necessity, theres really no need for one.

Sarra21 · February 2013

Sounds like there IS a possible medical reason to induce at 39w if you are getting biweekly NST, with a specialist no less.
Aren't copays dictated by your health insurance, not your drs office?

buttaflly227 · February 2013

My docs want to induce me the 19th if I'm still pregnant (I'd be 41 wks 3 days) but I don't know how I feel about it. I really don't think I'm going to get induced unless there's a medically necessary reason such as me or the baby are in danger. The chances of complication and c sections double when you get induced and I want a normal all natural birth. I don't know why they'd induce at 39 weeks when 40 is your due date...?? I'd think they'd even let you go over a little bit like my doctor, after all due date's are just ESTIMATES so idk why everyone freaks out about the specific day.

In terms of the copay I have no idea because I haven't had to pay for any copays.

BelhurstBride · February 2013

Unless there's a reason to my OB doesn't even mutter the word induction until after 41 weeks.

I didn't have a co pay with my NST, but that may depend on your insurance?

skoogirl · February 2013

My doctor office says that they like to induce at 41 weeks, but I would push for 42 weeks if I were overdue and there were no other medical reason. At 39 weeks your baby's lungs might not be quite ready.

My copays and charges are all dependant on what they've negotiated with my insurance provider as well as the terms of my exact insurance policy.