Perinatal Regionalization System

The Perinatal Regionalization System in Tennessee consists of 5 Regional Perinatal Centers located at major medical centers throughout the state. Each serves a defined geographic area of the state. The centers are: 

1. The West Tennessee Perinatal Center (Memphis)
   a. Screens all patients (antepartum, postpartum, intrapartum) universally for postpartum depression, history of mental health problems and suicide attempts.b. Screening increased in the past year when it became a CMS requirement
2. The East Tennessee Perinatal Center (Knoxville)
   a. Screens those patients that deliver at University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC), Knoxville
   b. All patients receive a UTMC pregnancy guide which educates them about pregnancy related issues from the perinatal period through postpartum and infant care, including perinatal depression. 
   c. Once they are on their postpartum unit, they continue to educate on this topic through nurse/patient education, room posters, and patient education video presentations that include a comprehensive question regarding postpartum depression. 
   d. Within 24 hours of discharge, all patients are asked to fill out the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). If they score a 10 or higher, they are referred for medical and case management assessment with proper follow-up for postpartum depression. 
3. Southeast Perinatal Center (Chattanooga)
   a. Upon admission the patient is assessed for psychosocial issues including depression. These issues are then addressed with the appropriate referral/consults if needed. 
   b. Screens all of its patients during pregnancy for depression and provides treatment if necessary.
   c. Also screens all postpartum patients with the EPDS as well as by interview.
   d. Outpatient mental health treatment is nearly impossible to locate for the uninsured. 
4. Middle Tennessee Regional Perinatal Center (Nashville)
5. Northeast Tennessee Perinatal Center (Johnson City)