Interesting Medical/Insurance Information

So, as we close in on the arrival of our daughter, Olga and I have had some interesting revelations on Russian medicine and insurance.  We selected the 'premium' insurance package that would allow us to go to the American Medical Center clinic, which I openly admit was all for me given my knowledge of the Russian language.  There was a side benefit to Olga, as the care there really is very good and our insurance picked them up after the first of the year for prenatal care.  Let's start with that statement.  How in the world can the place that you go for basic medical necessities NOT be covered for prenatal care??  I guess the only way I can justify this is to think of the 'in network' and 'out of network' cases for the HMO's in the US.  Unknowingly I guess we are on the Russian equivalent of a US HMO.

Second difference.  Once Olga reached her 36th week of pregnancy she could no longer go to AMC, but rather had to select a birthing center from the list of 'approved' centers.  Olga selected one based on information provided by the center, information from the insurance company and reviews posted of services rendered.  The place she selected is known for its ability to handle any and all difficulties in births (no worries here, all looks good for us right now, but it never hurts to be covered, right?).  We were told that single-room accommodation would be requested, but not guaranteed, although we were assured that it is available most of the time.  I'm beginning to see the Soviet Machine very much at work here!

OK, here is where things get interesting.  After Olga had further conversations with the birthing center here is what we found out.  Ladies in the US, get ready.  First, there is only ONE single-occupancy room in the entire center!  Interesting.  Second, I would not be allowed to be with Olga during labor or birth....NO EXCEPTION.  Third, most likely they would take the baby directly after birth and we would not be able to see her much AND they would start her on formula.  Fourth, and this is not necessarily the fourth largest issue, if Olga was not put into the one single-person accommodation room she would be in a 5-6 person labor room.  OK, I have to admit that I've never been in labor and will never be in labor, but I can not think of one positive thing about being in a room with 4 or 5 other women in excruciating pain.  

Well, now that we have all of the facts we have decided to go to the prenatal birthing center, which sounds like a palace compared to what I have envisioned the other place to be.  Olga will be in a single room, I will be allowed to be with her for labor and birth and I will be allowed to visit from 9AM to 9PM.  All of this is very positive (I admit that I may have a different view after the actual experience of labor, but only because I'm not sure how I'll feel about my wife being in that much pain and me not being able to do anything about it), with one small exception.  Has anyone seen any mention of this being covered by insurance...anyone.....anyone?  Right, so this place is not covered on our insurance and the majority of costs are due at signing of the contract with them.  Well, at least they take credit cards!!!!  In all honesty, I don't really care what it costs.  My only desire is that Olga and our daughter are both well taken care of.