Research shows that scheduling babies for delivery prior to 39 weeks gestation is connected to a higher likelihood of death, admittance to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and life-long health problems.

Yet, an astonishing number of deliveries occur too early with no medical need – 23 percent in Illinois, according to the Leapfrog Group. The numbers show wide variation among hospitals.

The Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms team wants to eliminate early elective deliveries in Illinois. 

Quest has awarded the Q Award, an annual award presented to a group or individual that advances the Quest mission, to the Health Information Exchange Advisory Council.

“Much of the care that women receive is not consistent with best evidence, despite the unprecedented body of comparative effectiveness research that is available to us in the field of maternity care,” said Maureen Corry, MPH, Executive Director of Childbirth Connection at Quality Quest’s annual board social held August 10 at Lakeview Museum.

Recently, Quest was asked why the charge for an MRI test (Magnetic Resonance Image) would be different from center to center.

"I'm curious why there is such a big difference in the cost of an MRI. I had one done recently billed at $4500.00. That is almost double what most other places charge. Aren't these costs regulated? I wouldn't think that one machine would be better than everyone else's."

Participation on the Quality Quest High Tech Diagnostic Imaging Team proved to be a valuable personal experience that has significantly influenced aspects of my professional practice behavior.  I have long appreciated the invaluable diagnostic benefits derived from high-tech imaging (HTI) studies and the skill of those who provide expert interpretation.  However, from my experience with this team, I discovered there was much for me to learn and revisit regarding several of the adverse considerations associated with HTI studies.