Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG) is the nation’s largest and only dedicated OB hospitalist provider, partnering with hospitals across the nation, but our commitment to maternal health doesn’t end there. Some hospitals, especially those with fewer than a thousand annual births, require broader solutions outside the scope of a traditional OB/GYN hospitalist program. To meet these unique needs, OBHG developed its Maternal Health Access Solutions (MHAS) program, designed to help smaller hospitals sustain and grow their women’s services.
From rural hospitals that provide essential care in low-access regions to urban and suburban facilities that serve tight-knit communities, MHAS programs bridge gaps in maternal healthcare by addressing staffing, accessibility and resource challenges. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about MHAS and how it can support your hospital.
What is the MHAS program, and how does it differ from a traditional OB hospitalist program?
Maternal Health Access Solutions (MHAS) was designed for hospitals seeking additional support for their women’s services where a traditional full-time or part-time OB/GYN hospitalist program may not be the best fit.
While OBHG’s traditional hospitalist programs are designed for large or high-volume birthing hospitals, MHAS programs are fully customized to address the unique needs of smaller delivery volume hospitals. This might include clinic coverage, well-woman care, labor and delivery support, emergency OBGYN availability and more.
OBHG’s hospitalist programs heavily focus on hospital-based obstetrics, while MHAS programs offer clinicians a broader scope of practice, often blending obstetric and gynecologic clinic care with hospital responsibilities.
Is OBHG a locum tenens solution?
No, OBHG is not a locum tenens provider. OBHG’s goal is to provide clinicians who integrate into a community for the long term. MHAS programs reduce or eliminate reliance on locums by offering a consistent, reliable solution that is specifically recruited to align with the hospital to enhance continuity of care for both staff and patients.
What types of clinicians work within MHAS programs?
MHAS programs feature a variety of clinician types tailored to the hospital’s goals, including OB/GYNs, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), nurse practitioners and family practice OBs. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care while addressing gaps in staffing.
What staffing models does MHAS offer?
MHAS customizes schedules to promote clinician retention, patient continuity and support staff alignment. This ensures our clinicians immerse themselves in the community while providing patient care.
This benefits hospitals by widening the talent pool, reducing dependence on short-term solutions, and providing long-term, sustainable care. For clinicians, this fosters work/life balance, helping to prevent burnout and extend careers.
Can MHAS clinicians provide clinic support and take on patient panels?
Yes! Most MHAS programs include outpatient clinic support. MHAS clinicians are equipped to handle unassigned patients, OB and GYN emergencies, surgeries and other critical care, depending on the hospital’s specific needs.
Can MHAS clinicians perform GYN surgeries?
Absolutely. MHAS clinicians are fully qualified to perform GYN surgeries, and many programs incorporate surgical support as part of their service offerings.
What if my hospital only needs part-time coverage?
MHAS programs are flexible and can be tailored to your hospital’s specific requirements. Whether you need a comprehensive solution or supplemental coverage, the program is designed to enhance access to women’s healthcare in your community.
Can OBHG implement an MHAS program at a system hospital?
Certainly! OBHG partners with dozens of hospital systems to provide both OB hospitalist and MHAS programs. If we are already working with a larger hospital in your system, we already have processes in place that will make your onboarding process that much smoother!
What are the benefits for a hospital that is already fully staffed?
Even hospitals with sufficient staff for their current delivery and surgical volume can benefit from an MHAS program. Partnering with OBHG helps standardize OB/GYN care through evidence-based protocols, enhancing both patient safety and outcomes. Hospitals can also expand clinic hours to better meet patient needs, particularly for those requiring early morning, evening or weekend appointments.
MHAS programs promote growth by increasing patient volume, improving nurse satisfaction, and reducing clinician burnout, all while creating a more sustainable and efficient work environment. This approach allows hospitals to adapt to the evolving needs of their communities and achieve long-term success.
OBHG’s Maternal Health Access Solutions program is committed to addressing the unique challenges hospitals face while ensuring women have access to exceptional care close to home. Learn more about how MHAS can strengthen your hospital’s women’s services today.