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Medically Indicated Early-Term Deliveries (Prior to 39 Weeks)
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS · OB-GYN·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
BCBS MS updated their medical policy for early-term deliveries prior to 39 weeks, defining specific medical conditions that justify medically necessary early delivery versus elective procedures. The policy provides clear criteria for when induction of labor or cesarean section before 39 weeks is covered versus not medically necessary.
Action Required
Immediately: OB-GYN billing teams must ensure documentation clearly supports medical necessity when billing for deliveries before 39 weeks gestation. Verify gestational age is confirmed using ACOG criteria and documented in medical records. Claims for early deliveries without approved medical indications (such as convenience, suspected macrosomia, or maternal exhaustion) will be denied as not medically necessary.