According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in every 12 to 17 pregnancies among women ages 20 to 44 in the U.S. experience high blood pressure. In addition, CDC data shows that black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. High blood pressure can cause problems throughout the pregnancy, during delivery and postpartum. However, high blood pressure can be preventable and treatable.

How to order free blood pressure cuffs for pregnant Health Partners members
All Health Partners (Medicaid) pregnant members, regardless of age, are eligible for a blood pressure cuff with a provider script once per calendar year. We encourage providers to write scripts for their patients’ blood pressure cuff equipment and have them bring the equipment into the office to ensure proper use throughout their pregnancy and 1-year post-partum period. Use the blood pressure monitor referral form located at HPPlans.com/cuff.

Based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines, blood pressure standards are as follows.

• Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated: Systolic between 120-and 129-mm Hg and diastolic less than 80-mm Hg
• Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic between 130-and 139-mm Hg or diastolic between 80-and 89-mm Hg
• Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic at least 140-mm Hg or diastolic at least 90-mm Hg

Maternity providers play an important role in educating their patients to achieve optimal health through health education and self-management tools. Health Partners (Medicaid) has developed a blood pressure initiative that is aimed to assist maternity providers with educating their pregnant patients on the importance of self-monitoring blood pressure, how to use blood pressure equipment, sharing results with their clinicians, and increasing their knowledge about possible complications of hypertension.

For billing, use code 99473: Self-measured blood pressure using a device validated for clinical accuracy; patient education/training and device calibration.

This link to an infographic on how to take their blood pressure can be shared with your patients:

• https://targetbp.org/tools_downloads/how-to-accurately-measure-blood-pressure-2/

Thank you for being a participating provider.