I’m sure you are familiar with the SASOG BetterObs Programme but you may not be fully aware of the details of an obstetrics initiative from Discovery Health. Both SASOG and GMG supports the data collection and review parts of this programme and have noted that the programme has already been of significant financial benefit to our fraternity. We wish to ensure that all our members are well informed and able to make an informed choice about the most beneficial way forward for their practices.

The purpose of this initiative is to support obstetricians in a sustainable manner through securing greater remuneration in return for a commitment to best practice aligned to the BetterObs guidance. As you may know, one of the single largest drivers for increasing malpractice insurance premiums is the lack of sufficient documentation to defend doctors in cases of litigation. In order to improve this, the initiative is underpinned by a maternity specific electronic record housed in Discovery’s platform called HealthID. This record collects data on antenatal care as well as the delivery details and Discovery undertook to ensure the safety and anonymity of the data and the platform.

If you have not yet taken advantage of the initiative, you may have questions or reservations that you wish to discuss. Please make contact with the SASOG or GMG office, or visit the SASOG/GMG stand at the upcoming congress! We can also request that someone from Discovery contact you to assist with any problems like the electronic record, the billing of the extra codes or anything else.

For ease of reference, we attach the enrollment form. We trust that the collaboration between SASOG and GMG will continue to be of benefit to our membership and that you will make contact should you need information or guidance.

Best wishes,