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Neurodevelopmental Care Utilization among Preterm Infants in the Military Health Care System

Amanda Banaag1,2,3, Zachary Weber4,5, Caitlin Drumm5

  • 1Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, United States.

American Journal of Perinatology
|March 2, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Neurodevelopmental care utilization for preterm infants in the Military Health System varies by gestational age, race, and region. This highlights a need for standardized follow-up policies to ensure equitable care access.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Healthcare
  • Military Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Background:

  • Neurodevelopmental care is crucial for preterm infants.
  • Variations in care access and utilization exist within healthcare systems.
  • The Military Health System (MHS) provides care to a unique population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate neurodevelopmental care utilization patterns in preterm infants within the MHS.
  • To identify factors associated with variations in care access.
  • To inform policy development for equitable follow-up care.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of preterm infants born in the MHS (2017-2021).
  • Categorization of preterm birth by gestational age (extreme, very, moderate, late).
  • Analysis of neurodevelopmental care utilization within two years of birth, considering demographics and geographic factors.

Main Results:

  • Higher utilization of specialty care observed in moderate, very, and extreme preterm births compared to late preterm.
  • Black infants demonstrated fewer total visits than White infants.
  • Significant geographic disparities in utilization noted, with lower rates in Pacific and West South-Central regions.

Conclusions:

  • Neurodevelopmental care utilization among preterm infants in the MHS is influenced by gestational age, race, and geographic location.
  • Existing disparities underscore the need for standardized neurodevelopmental follow-up policies.
  • Equitable access to essential follow-up care requires systemic improvements within the MHS.

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