Purpose:

• To test the implementation of the AHCPR smoking cessation guidelines in obstetric provider offices through the support, encouragement, and training of a pilot group of obstetric providers by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado/HMO Colorado.
• To evaluate if removing financial barriers to smoking cessation counseling (by creating a new “benefit”) improves the quantity and quality of counseling pregnant smokers in a mixed-model managed care organization receive.

Objectives:

• Identify a pilot group of providers willing to participate in the project.
• Increase the identification of pregnant smokers through the institution of smoking as a “vital sign” within provider offices.
• Ensure that each office has staff trained in an appropriate smoking cessation program and the skills to counsel pregnant smokers.
• Evaluate the effects of financial incentives (a new smoking cessation “benefit”) on the utilization of smoking cessation counseling in the office.
• Develop a statewide network of smoking cessation programs that pregnant smokers can participate in as an alternative to counseling in their providers’ office. Evaluate how removing financial barriers affects participation in these programs.