The Availability of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Through Los Angeles County FamilyPACT Clinics [14A]. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Natavio, Melissa Faith; Brown, Niquelle; Blotky, Elizabeth; Van Horn, Christine; Waters, Caitlin; Nelson, Anita
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 129 (2017)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000514249.28553.70
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: Family Planning, Access, Care and Treatment (FamilyPACT) is a Medicaid waiver program in California that provides all methods of contraception without charge to uninsured women and men with family incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level. The program requires that FamilyPACT clinics provide all methods on site or by referral. Extensive efforts with training and education have been made to encourage use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), but only 13% of women use an implant or IUD. This study was designed to assess the availability of LARC methods in Los Angeles County FamilyPACT clinics. METHODS: A list of all 855 Los Angeles County FamilyPACT clinics was obtained through the program's website, from which a random sample of 400 clinics was generated. Young female researchers posing as potential patients called each clinic to ask a scripted series of questions about LARC availability in that practice. RESULTS: Of the 400 clinics selected, 340 responded to callers' questions; 284 accepted FamilyPACT. Of these clinics, 61% did not offer any LARC method; 15% offered all currently available LARC; and 6% offered same-day LARC placement. CONCLUSION: The majority of FamilyPACT clinics surveyed did not offer any LARC and very few offered same-day LARC placement, despite FamilyPACT Program's efforts to increase LARC use.