Family Medicine Obstetrics
Family physicians play an important role in access to maternity care, especially in underserved areas. Yet, recent survey data has shown that only 6.7% of practicing family doctors are performing deliveries.
We regularly hear from family physicians from across Minnesota about both the challenges and opportunities around providing obstetrical (OB) care, including the credentialing process and the need for expanded OB skills training.
A list of articles and resources to support family physicians in providing OB care follow.
From the Blog: Hear From Minnesota Family Docs on Family Medicine OB
- Family Medicine Obstetrics
Four Minnesota family physicians share about the importance of family medicine OB and the need for more support (fall 2023). - We Need Family Docs With Advanced OB Training
With the rise in maternal mortality in the U.S., advanced training in family medicine OB is needed now more than ever (fall 2021).
OB Credentialing & Privileging Self-Advocacy Guide for Family Physicians
AAFP Resources on Credentialing & Privileging:
- Hospital Privileging for Family Physicians
(provides a general overview of the credentialing and privileging process) - Privileges in Family Medicine Departments
(AAFP policy) - AAFP-ACOG Joint Statement on Cooperative Practice and Hospital Privileges
MAFP Resources on Credentialing & Privileging:
- Letter of Support
A resource letter for MAFP members to use with system administrators when seeking credentialing to provide obstetric care. Contact us if you would like the letter edited and/or directed to a specific contact.
- Powell J, Skinner C, Lavender D, Avery D, Leeper J. Obstetric care by family physicians and infant mortality in rural Alabama. J AM BOARD FAM MED. 2018;31(4):542 49. www.jabfm.org/content/jabfp/31/4/542.full.pdf
- Young RA. Maternity care services provided by family physicians in rural hospitals. J AM BOARD FAM MED. 2017;30(1):71-77. www.jabfm.org/content/30/1/71.short
- Aubrey-Bassler K, Cullen RM, Simms A, et al. Outcomes of deliveries by family physicians or obstetricians: a population-based cohort study using an instrumental variable. CMAJ. 2015;187(15):1125-1132. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4610835/
- Avery DM, Burgess K, McDonald JT, et al. Neonatal outcomes of 26,331 infants delivered by obstetrics fellowship trained family physicians and OB/Gyns. J FAM MED DIS PREV. 2015;1-3. clinmedjournals.org/articles/jfmdp/journal-of-family-medicine-and-disease-prevention-jfmdp-1-010.pdf
- Homan FF, Olson AL, Johnson DJ. A comparison of cesarean delivery outcomes for rural family physicians and obstetricians. J AM BOARD FAM MED. 2013;26(4):366-72. www.jabfm.org/content/26/4/366
- Runser LA, Short MW. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy by a family physician: a case series demonstrating health care savings. MIL MED. 2007;172(8):888-891. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17803085
- Deutchman ME, Sills D, Connor PD. Perinatal outcomes: a comparison between family physicians and obstetricians. J AM BOARD FAM PRACT. 1995;8(6):440-7. www.jabfm.org/content/jabfp/8/6/440.full.pdf
- Rodney WM, Hocutt JE Jr, Coleman WH, et al. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy by family physicians: a national multisite study of 717 procedures. J AM BOARD FAM PRACT. 1990;3(2):73-79. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2185609/
- Krikke EH, Bell NR. Relation of family physician or specialist care to obstetric interventions and outcomes in patients at low risk: a western Canadian cohort study. CMAJ. 1989;140(6):637-43. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1268753/
- Franks P, Eisinger S. Adverse perinatal outcomes: is physician specialty a risk factor?. J FAM PRACT. 1987;24(2):152-6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3806026
Know other resources that may help? Contact us.
Family Medicine OB Workgroup
In 2022, the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians created a Family Medicine OB Workgroup.
Among its goals, the workgroup aims to help medical students and family medicine residents see the possibilities for OB care in their future practices as well as to advocate for the support family physicians need to be able to practice OB.
Want to get involved in the MAFP’s advocacy efforts around family medicine OB? Contact us.
Gun Violence Prevention
Firearm-related death and injury are a public health crisis. In Minnesota, guns are the leading cause of death for children. On average, 125 Americans are killed by a gun each day, with at least twice as many injured. Physicians see the devastating effects of gun violence firsthand.
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) has long advocated for meaningful reforms while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners. Our members have supported universal background checks, red flag laws, bans on assault weapons and large capacity magazines and safer storage requirements.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and national partners encourage physicians to stay informed and ready to counsel patients on gun safety and prevention strategies. The following resources highlight the MAFP’s advocacy efforts, provide tools for physicians and connect to organizations working to end gun violence.
MAFP Resolutions
- Prevention of Workplace Violence Against Physicians (2021-06):
Calls for the MAFP to petition the AAFP to provide education and guidance on how physicians can decrease their risk of becoming victims of workplace violence and support for backing laws that keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others. - Preventing Gun Violence in Minnesota (2018-13):
Support for stronger gun safety laws, including universal background checks, red flag laws, bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and restrictions on devices that make guns fire faster, as well as federal research on the causes and health impacts of gun violence. - Gun Violence (2018-14):
Partner with the Minnesota Medical Association and other organizations to educate, advocate and take action on gun violence.
MAFP Resources
AAFP Resources
- Prevention of Gun Violence (position paper)
- Violence in the Media and Entertainment (position paper)
- Firearm Injury Prevention (practical office tips)
- Aiming for Safety: Prevent Firearm Injury with Open Patient Conversations (clinical guidance)
Community Organizations/Advocates
Organizations advocating for gun safety and violence prevention that provide resources and education for action:
Health Equity
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) aims to support family physicians, resident physicians and medical students across Minnesota in bridging gaps in patient care, promoting health equity and addressing racism.
The resources/tools linked from this page are a starting point for exploring health equity topics inside and outside of clinic walls.
Health Equity Lens Tool
An MAFP goal is to promote health equity and anti-racism throughout all levels of the organization. One way that is achieved is through implementing an equity lens. View and download the Equity Lens Tool, developed by the MAFP Health Equity Committee.
This tool will help MAFP staff, leadership, volunteers and members evaluate internal and external policies and decisions to ensure that they are working towards equity. Help us know what is and isn’t helpful with this tool.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers online resources for Using a Health Equity Lens.
Implicit Bias Training
The EveryONE Project by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) offers Implicit Bias Training, educating physicians and their practice teams on the impact of unconscious bias and offers resources to help reduce its negative effects on patients.
The MAFP received a grant from the AAFP to adapt this training. A workgroup of faculty from the Health Equity Committee developed the training to assist clinicians in working to mitigate their own biases, as well as to think about how racism and other systemic barriers impact patients and how individuals can help in addressing them.
Implicit bias training is available for members and their clinical teams.
Interested in bringing a training to your clinic/site? Contact us and/or visit the AAFP’s Implicit Bias Resources page to find facilitator and participant guides, training presentations and more.
Health Equity Resources
Antiracism
- Representation & Visibility Matters: Working to Strengthen Care of Native & Indigenous Communities in Family Medicine (MAFP blog)
- Addressing Racism: Resources, Advocacy & Education for Family Docs (MAFP blog)
- Center for Diversity and Health Equity (AAFP)
- AAFP Virtual Town Hall: The Public Health Crisis of Racism (event featuring MAFP past President Renée Crichlow, MD, FAAFP, and MAFP CEO Maria Huntley, CAE, MAM)
- Institutional Racism in Medicine (Minnesota Physician)
Race in medicine
- End Race-Based Medicine (MAFP resolution)
- Race in Medicine Resources (MAFP blog)
- What’s Race Got to Do With It? (MAFP blog)
- The Problem With Race-Based Medicine (TED Talk)
- How False Beliefs in Physical Racial Difference Still Live in Medicine Today (NYT Article)
Reproductive health
- We Need Family Docs With Advanced OB Training (MAFP blog)
- Cesarean Delivery in Family Medicine (AAFP paper)
- Reproductive Health Access Project (RHAP)
- UnRestrict Minnesota (Abortion care campaign)
- Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System (CDC)
Workforce diversity
- The Financing of Medical Education: Socioeconomic, Racial Differences (MAFP blog)
- Seeking Physician Mentors for Underrepresented Pre-med Students (MAFP blog)
- Reimagining Graduate Medical Education (MAFP blog)
- Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (University of MN student group)
- Center of American Indian and Minority Health (CAIMH, University of MN)
Health care access and disparities
- Taking Action on Single-Payer Health Care (MAFP blog)
- Health Equity Impact Assessment Needed (MAFP blog)
- Adolescent Health & Health Equity (MAFP blog)
- The C.A.R.E. Clinic: Free Clinic in Red Wing With a One-Stop Shop Model of Care (MAFP blog)
- Emily Onello, MD, Profiles Rural Medical Educators (MAFP blog)
MAFP Health Equity Committee
At the 2018 MAFP House of Delegates, a resolution titled “Health Equity” was adopted. The resolution authors emphasized the role that family physicians play in providing care for Minnesota’s diverse communities and combating inequitable health outcomes. The resolution led to the forming of the Health Equity Task Force, which evolved into a full standing committee in 2021.
The Health Equity Committee’s purpose is to bring the health equity lens to the leadership, work and members of the MAFP. The committee ensures family physicians are working towards equitable health care for their patients and communities.
Convening ideas and principles include:
- Ensure equity is centered in all MAFP policies, education and training.
- Support more persons of color (and other underrepresented groups) in active membership and leadership of the MAFP.
- Add the family physician voice—and raise up voices from the community—to the public discussion of how to promote health equity in our clinical practices, institutions and communities through appropriate collaborations and coalitions.
CME speaker guidelines (developed by the Committee):
- Avoid heteronormativity.
- Use patient-/person-/community-/culture-centered language.
- Avoid using race as a proxy for biology or genetics; instead use the experience of racism when describing risk factors for disease.
- Highlight the impact(s) of systems/structures, when possible, to avoid blaming victims.
Home Health Care Resources
In an effort to ensure patients have access to the care they need, and as clinics and health systems expand home care, family physicians are seeking practical guidance. Whether your system already supports home visits or you’re exploring a micropractice model, this guide compiles resources, safety tips, billing guidance and organizational connections to help you deliver high-quality care beyond the clinic walls.
Setting Up Your Home Visit Micropractice
Understand Malpractice Coverage
- Autonomy MD – cloud-based platform; allows secure documentation, visit tracking and patient record management.
Document + Chart Home Visits
- Autonomy MD – cloud-based platform; allows secure documentation, visit tracking and patient record management.
- CharmHealth – EHR system optimized for mobile care, supporting home visit workflows and integrated billing.
- Use a written notebook – portable option for documenting home visits.
- Use Google Docs – cloud-based option for recording and sharing visit notes.
Manage Prescriptions, Labs + Supplies
- DocUpdate App – cloud-based platform for sending prescriptions directly to pharmacies, AI medical translator and online concierge service.
- Capsule pharmacy delivery – prescription delivery service offers same-day delivery in some areas.
- Lab Team Assistants – mobile phlebotomy and lab services in Minnesota.
- Vax Care – integrated online platform for vaccine inventory management.
- Matter.ngo – organization in St. Louis Park that has access to discounted medical supplies for doctors.
- RxPathway from Minnesota Doctors for Health Equity – A patient medication card that can be printed to support patients with current medications.
- Partner with other private practices that already have established immunization protocol.
- Call pharmacies directly to order prescriptions.
Connect with Home Visit Organizations
- Inspire Change Clinic
- Connecting with community members is a good way to get engaged (pastors, teachers, social workers, other leaders in your neighborhoods and communities to find out what is needed and where).
Follow Safety Best Practices
- Carry an alarm device for emergencies (https://www.shesbirdie.com).
- Tell 1 or 2 trusted people your plans and locations.
- Use Shortcuts on your phone to enable a pre-written text to be sent to trusted people in case of emergency.
- Check with home visit patients about pets beforehand if possible if you are allergic or are afraid.
- Go in pairs, if possible.
- Wear plain clothes; no white coats.
- Write down addresses and memorize routes instead of using your phone (turn off location services on your device).
- Wear an identifying piece of clothing that the patient knows about beforehand so they can identify you.
- Don’t go to protests and public events if you’re doing home visits to keep yourself and patients safe. (Your face and your vehicle may be in surveillance systems if you attend protests.)
Get Billing Guidance
Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) covers a variety of services delivered at home. Refer to the following:
- If you are an MHCP-enrolled provider of services eligible to be provided at home, you can bill for visits provided at place of service 12 even if you have not done so previously.
- MHCP-enrolled providers use place of service 12 when billing for a home visit. Place of service 12 is inclusive of any location, other than a hospital or other facility, where the patient receives care in a private residence.
- Providers do not need to document or provide information on the patient’s home address when billing for home visits.
- All the required components of the billing code or service must be provided to bill. Not all visits are appropriate in place of service 12.
Special note about Evaluation and Management (E&M) services:
E&M services can be provided for members at home for any reason. Home visit E&M codes are covered for new and existing patients. (pub. 1/27/26)
Many codes could apply for POS 12 (home); these are the big ones we were hoping physicians/NPs/PAs could use:
New Patient:
- 99341 – Home visit new straightforward medical decision, at least 15 mins
- 99342 – Home visit, low level medical decision making, at least 30 mins
- 99344 – Home visit 2 components high severity presenting problem, 60 mins
- 99345 – Home visit high level of medical decision making, at least 75 minutes
Established Patient:
- 99347 – Home visit, straightforward medical decision making, at least 15 mins
- 99348 – Home visit, at least 2 components, low to mod severity, at least 25 minutes
- 99349 – Home visit, at least 2 components, moderate to high severity, at least 40 minutes
- 99350 – Home visit, at least 2 components, moderate to high severity, typically 60 minutes
Explore Articles + Resources
- Family Practice Management Article “House Calls: Providing Care Beyond the Office Walls”
- Family Practice Management Article “G2211 Update and Infographic” (calls out this update on home service coverage: “On Jan. 1, 2026, CMS expanded the list of codes that can be reported with code G2211 to include home or residence E/M codes (CPT codes 99341, 99342, 99344, 99345, 99347, 99348, and 99350).”
- Home Centered Care Institute
- North Memorial Residency Home Visit Protocol
Immunization and Vaccines
Family physicians are on the front lines of preventive care, and immunizations remain one of the most effective tools for protecting patients and communities. As the health care landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about vaccine recommendations and best practices is essential.
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) supports clinicians with timely, evidence-based resources to help guide conversations, improve access and ensure safe administration. This curated list brings together trusted sources from state and national organizations to keep family physicians equipped.
Schedules & Clinical Guidance
- Immunization Hub: Central resource for family physicians with vaccine schedules and updates. (American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Provider Best Practices: Guidance for vaccine storage, administration and documentation. (Minnesota Department of Health)
- Reliable Sources of Vaccine Information: Curated list of where patients can find answers to vaccine questions. (Minnesota Department of Health)
Patient Education
- AAFP Patient Education Tools: Downloadable fact sheets and counseling guides for vaccine discussions.
Clinical Guidance
- MFP Magazine Fall 2025: The Impact of an ‘Offer-Offer–Vaccine’ Strategy in Primary Care focuses on a educating patients in on the importance of the HBV vaccine for adults.
- MFP Magazine Summer 2025: How Family Physicians Can Build Vaccine Confidence
Billing & Coverage
- Minnesota DHS MHCP Immunization Guidance: Coverage and billing policies for vaccines under Minnesota Health Care Programs.
Advocacy & Updates
The AAFP and the MAFP have both spoken out about policy changes to vaccine schedules and guidelines. Further information is available on the MAFP blog.
Medication Abortion
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians supports family physicians in providing comprehensive reproductive health care, including medication abortion. After members adopted the 2024 Medication Abortion Access in Primary Care resolution, we have hosted workshops, shared toolkits and built connections among clinicians to advance safe patient care.
Members can access clinical tools, training, practical resources and expert support networks. Request access by emailing office@mafp.ascreative.agency.
Physician Well-being
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians is committed to providing Minnesota family physicians with resources to assist in addressing burnout and collaborating with our members to advocate for change on behalf of family medicine.
