Coalition for Improving Maternity Services,CIMS,transparency in Maternity Care project has made progress. Consumer survey results rating health care providers and birth facilities are available www.thebirthsurvey.com. More than 17,500 rating for providers and 6,500 ratingsfor facilities have been sumitted since national launch, August 2008. National averages of consumer feedback collected indicates that midwives were rated more highly than physicans. Website ratings pages also provide links for information to hospitals and birth centers. Information includes obstetric intervention rates and Cesarean Section rates for each facility.
"CIMS wants expectant parents toask questions of their provider and facilities and have access to more information about local options," said Elan McAllister, founder of Choices in Childbirth in New York City and Co-chair of the Birth Survey committee. In 2010, detailed information on patients' experiences with prenatal, labor, birth and postpartum care will be added to the website as a searchable consummer report.
Encourage mothers to participate in The Birth Survey.(www.thebirthsurvey.com)