Since April 8, 2011, BCBSNC is no longer requiring telephone interviews with parents of newborns for every application. This change applies to all under-65 individual products. The requirement for telephone interviews with parents of newborns is now being determined on a case-by-case basis during the underwriting process.
Tag Archive for 'newborns'
Infants in North Carolina are required to be screened for more than 30 disorders. Cystic Fibrosis was recently added to that screening list. Cystic Fibrosis can cause a child to have poor growth, weight loss, abdominal pain and additional problems.
Last year, legislators decided to add this disease to the list of required screenings. To perform the entire group of tests, only a few drops of blood are needed from a heel prick performed on the infant before they are discharged from the hospital. The blood is then sent to the State Laboratory of Public Health.
Cystic fibrosis can produce a heavy buildup of mucous that can cause recurring lung infections and airway blockages. It can also block the pancreas and inhibit the organ’s capability to break down food and take in nutrients.