Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP)

Program History

The Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP) was created in 1987 to reduce morbidity and mortality among low-income pregnant women and their infants in California through enhanced prenatal care. This project, conducted by the Department of Health Services, demonstrated that obstetrical care supplemented by nutrition, health education, psychosocial services, and prenatal vitamins and minerals, could reduce the incidence of low birthweight in infants by more than one-third.

In 1984, legislation (AB 3021, Margolin) implemented a Medi-Cal reimbursement mechanism for these enhanced perinatal care services. In September 1987, the Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP) was initiated. Title 22, the California Code of Regulations, describes the required services and defines regulations for CPSP.

CPSP integrates nutrition, psychosocial, and health education assessments, interventions, and perinatal education with basic obstetrical care. Provider participation in the program requires a formal application process and certification by the State Department of Health Services.

Program Goals

1. To decrease the incidence of low birthweight in infants

2. To improve the outcome of every pregnancy

3. To give every baby a healthy start in life

4. To lower health care costs by preventing catastrophic and chronic illness in infants and children

Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program Model

Scope of services

• Initial Assessments: Complete assessments in the four components: obstetric, nutrition, health education, and psychosocial using approved assessment forms.

• Client Orientation: Orient the client to comprehensive perinatal care at entry of care and throughout the pregnancy as needed.

• Individualized Care Plan (ICP): Complete the ICP with the client following the initial assessments. Prioritize problems and actions planned to resolve them.

• Interventions: Provide services, classes, counseling, referrals and instructions as appropriate to the needs and risks identified on the ICP.

• Reassessments: Reassess in each trimester to identify changes or new developments since the previous assessment and to provide continued support for the client’s strengths. Revise and update the ICP as needed.

• Postpartum Assessment and Care Plan: Assess the mother and infant postpartum and update the ICP. Provide appropriate interventions for the client and her baby.

• Referral: Referral to services such as CHDP, family planning, genetics, WIC, and dental.

Who can be a CPSP Provider?

A physician, certified nurse midwife, certified family or pediatric nurse practitioner, hospital, community clinic or medical group that provides prenatal care. CPSP Providers must have a Medi-Cal provider number.

Reimbursement for CPSP

CPSP providers are able to receive fee-for-service reimbursement for the cost of delivering comprehensive perinatal services. More information is included in the Medi-Cal Provider Manual.

How to apply for CPSP

Call the Orange County Perinatal Services Coordinator office at 714-834-8091 for more information.