WHO GETS AMNIOCENTESIS

Publisher Summary Amniocentesis utilization rates can only be computed for amniocentesis based on the indication of advanced maternal age, because the denominator for women obtaining it for other indications, for example, previous child with trisomy, previous child with a neural tube defect, is unknown. Thus, rates are expressed as the percentage of women who receive amniocentesis among those giving birth at or above a certain age, or “age-eligible” women. In some countries, the total cost of amniocentesis is borne directly by a nationalized health service and, therefore, only indirectly by individual patients. In the United States, there is great variability in the extent to which the procedure and the associated counseling, ultrasound, and laboratory work are covered by third-party payers or other agencies, through subsidy by various federal and other grant sources, and by the patient. The chapter presents a scatter diagram showing percent utilization of amniocentesis by county of New York State compared with percent of persons over 25 having completed college, as an index of education.