Prenatal Program FAQs

Q. How can I find out if my employer has purchased the MedCost SmartStarts Program?

A. Check your health plan benefit booklet or talk with your Human Resources department. You can all call the MedCost Customer Service Contact Center at
800-824-7406.

Q. What is the MedCost SmartStarts Program? How
will I benefit from it?

A. The MedCost SmartStarts Program provides moms-to-be with an additional source of support, encouragement, education, and resources during pregnancy. SmartStarts works in cooperation with your physician to provide you with education about normal signs and symptoms of pregnancy, danger signs, diet, labor and delivery, and other pregnancy related topics. We also inform you about available resources in your community.

Q. Who will I be talking to?

A. A specially trained prenatal nurse talks with prenatal patients. MedCost prenatal nurses average 20 years of experience in obstetrics, labor and delivery, and neonatal specialties. Our nurses are also trained in grief counseling and childbirth.

Q. How many times will I talk to the nurse?

A. Based on the results of your assessment interview, the nurse may contact you on a schedule that is appropriate for your individual history and the course of your pregnancy.

Q. Is this program confidential?

A. Yes. The MedCost SmartStarts Program is completely confidential. Your medical information is kept in a secure computer file that is used only by your prenatal nurse to give you individualized education and to support your medical treatment. No information about you is ever shared with your company.

Q. If my prenatal nurse recommends regular follow-up, are the appointments conducted face-to-face?

A. Any scheduled appointments are done over the phone at a time that is convenient for the patient. Follow-up calls last about 10-15 minutes.

Q. How long does and assessment interview last?

A. The assessment lasts about 20-30 minutes. During this phone call, your family, medical, psychosocial, obstetrical, and diet history is taken. You will also be asked questions about how you feel your pregnancy is going. The nurse will provide you with information that corresponds to the current stage of your pregnancy.

Q. Can I call a prenatal nurse if I have questions or concerns during my pregnancy?

A. Yes! We encourage you to call any time you have a question or a concern. Just dial
800-722-2157 and select option 5.

Q. What are my insurance coverage and benefits that apply to this pregnancy?

A. Look at your insurance card to identify who pays your claims. The claim administrator’s phone number should be on your card. Call this number and have your card handy. Ask for a customer service representative who can answer questions about your company. This person should be able to answer all your questions about coverage, benefits, co-payments, deductibles, etc.

Q. What are my benefits if I choose to see an
out-of-network provider instead of an in-network provider?

A. Benefits are generally better if you utilize a provider in the MedCost PPO network. You can confirm that a provider is in-network by checking the MedCost Web site, www.medcost.com. Click on “Provider Search” on the home page and follow the instructions for conducting a search. You can also call our Customer Service Contact Center for provider participation information (800-824-7406). Contact your claim administrator to verify your in-network and out-of-network benefits.