JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 5 /EMWNews/ -- U.S. Preventive Medicine

(http://www.USPreventiveMedicine.com), the leader in disease prevention,

announced today that the State of Arkansas Department of Human Services has

extended its contract for the BirthWait(R) obstetrical and infant health

management program for one year.



    



    Under the BirthWait(R) program, which began in June 2007, U.S.

Preventive Medicine, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, U.S. Care

Management, provides health management services to assist in improving

birth outcomes and reducing costs associated with complicated pregnancies,

pre-term births and high-risk infants among Medicaid participants in

Crittenden, Phillips and St. Francis Counties, Arkansas.



    "High-risk pregnancies and pre-term deliveries often result in poor

health outcomes for mother's and their infant's health, and additional

costs to the family and our communities," said Roy Jeffus, director,

Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Services. "We

are extremely pleased with the intensive obstetrical and high-risk infant

health management services that U.S. Care Management has provided during

the past year and are very confident that they will continue to help us

reduce costs and improve health outcomes during the second year of the

program."



    U.S. Care Management will continue to utilize its unique

community-based approach to identify persons who are likely to have a

high-risk pregnancy and at-risk infants up to one year of age. Each person

in the program is assigned a community-based registered nurse who provides

care coordination, assessments, extensive education and monitoring.

BirthWait(R) nurses utilize a case management database system, Casewatch(R)

that includes guidelines and indicators for high risk pregnancy as well as

other chronic conditions the mother may have including diabetes,

hypertension, asthma and others. The system offers the same capabilities

for at-risk infants. Nurses enter assessment information, develop

individualized care plans, and document and report all contacts and

interventions as well as the tracking of key indicators.



    U.S. Care Management's nurses conduct home visits and are supported by

a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week nurse phone line including in and out-bound

calls. The program works closely with medical and community based

providers, including the Antenatal and Neonatal Guidelines, Education and

Learning System (ANGELS) at the University of Arkansas for Medical

Sciences. Obstetrical evidence-based practice guidelines prepared by ANGELS

are used as the platform for care coordination, patient education and

support.



    "It has been an honor to support Arkansas Human Services Department's

BirthWait(R) program and we are very delighted that they have expressed

their confidence in our community-based program and services by extending

this contract," said Fred Goldstein, President and COO of U.S. Preventive

Services. "We look forward to continuing with our community-based program

and working with the State of Arkansas in their commitment to improve birth

outcomes and reduce costs associated with complicated pregnancies and

at-risk infants."



    U.S. Care Management consistently demonstrates positive quality, cost,

and satisfaction outcomes in the management of patients with complex

chronic conditions. The company contracts with government and private

payers of health services and operates in several states throughout the

country.

    About U.S. Preventive Medicine



    U.S. Preventive Medicine(R), a privately-owned health management

company with clients nationwide and the United Kingdom, is focused entirely

on disease prevention. The Company offers employers, government agencies

and consumers proprietary products that improve health and productivity

while reducing healthcare costs. Company products include the

first-of-its-kind health benefit, The Prevention Plan(TM), a personalized

health management and wellness program delivered online and telephonically;

and The Prevention Plan CM(TM), a chronic care management program

customized for individuals with existing medical issues. Other services are

available through the Center for Preventive Medicine(R) and The Preventive

Network(TM), which offer high-tech, early detection screening programs with

affiliated physician groups, hospitals and health systems.

http://www.USPreventiveMedicine.com and http://www.ThePreventionPlan.com