Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, is partnering with Amerigroup, CareSource Georgia, and Peach State Health Plan to expand access to quality healthcare for high-risk pregnancies in Georgia using remote patient monitoring solutions.
Addressing Maternal Health in Georgia
This collaboration, supporting the Georgia Healthy Babies Act, will initially offer remote patient monitoring to pregnant and postpartum individuals with maternal hypertension and diabetes across 50 counties. Licensed clinical professionals will provide personalized health coaching, monitor participants, and intervene to prevent complications.
“Amerigroup is proud to collaborate on this important initiative, which aims to significantly improve maternal health outcomes in Georgia through innovative remote monitoring solutions,” stated Dr. Truddie Darden, Chief Medical Director for Amerigroup Georgia. “Together, we strive to make transformative progress and have a life-changing impact on vulnerable mothers and babies across the state.”
Laquanda Brooks, Senior Vice President, Population Health and Clinical Operations at Peach State Health Plan, added, “Peach State Health Plan is dedicated to moving the needle for Georgian moms by working with strong partners and implementing innovative solutions that support and improve their care.”
The Need for Remote Patient Monitoring in Georgia
Maternal healthcare in the U.S. faces significant challenges. Studies show that 62% of pregnancies are considered high-risk for unexpected complications, including an 81.3% increase in hypertension and a 50% increase in diabetes. With over 35% of U.S. counties classified as maternity care deserts, and a projected shortfall of OB-GYNs, particularly in non-metro areas, these issues demand attention.
Medicaid covers nearly 50% of all births in Georgia, a state that ranks 31st out of 40 in maternal mortality. Lawmakers are addressing these issues with new bills supporting Medicaid-eligible families, including remote technologies.
Lisa Pennington, senior manager of population health at CareSource Georgia, highlighted the need for accessible care: “Our members are working moms, moms who face challenges… By bringing care right to their homes… we’re offering them timely, personalized healthcare that can make a real difference in the health and well-being of moms and babies, no matter where they live in the state.”
How the Remote Monitoring Program Works
Pregnant women with maternal hypertension or diabetes who are covered by Medicaid can enroll in the program and receive monitoring devices. A licensed Philips nurse, dietitian, and certified diabetes care and education specialist will guide them through device use and schedule coaching calls. Clinicians receive alerts if a participant’s blood glucose or blood pressure is outside the normal range, allowing them to provide support, assess symptoms, and determine if a provider visit is needed.
The remote monitoring period extends up to 90 days postpartum.
Jennifer Law, Maternal Health Leader at Philips, emphasized their commitment: “Philips is committed to improving maternal healthcare and ensuring that all expectant women have access to high-quality prenatal and postpartum care… It takes an ecosystem of innovators, providers, payers, and policymakers working together to ensure a healthy pregnancy and start for every mom and child.”
