Knowledge Library
Obstetrical#postpartum#contraceptionPGY 1/2/3/4

Postpartum Contraception: Inpatient LARC Eligibility

Medicaid pathway, hospital-donated supply criteria, page 970-2835 workflow for inpatient Nexplanon/LARC placement.

Source: PGY-1 Resident Handbook 2026-2027

Options done inpatient prior to discharge: Nexplanon, Depo-Provera, postpartum BTL/BS, progesterone-only pills.

Nexplanon can be placed inpatient for eligible patients — predominantly those with NC Medicaid. Patient must be consented prior to administration. Pre-made consent form in triage; or use a generic blank procedure consent and fill out yourself.

  • Procedure: Nexplanon insertion
  • Risks: bleeding, bruising, infection, damage to surrounding organs/structures, irregular bleeding patterns, migration with possible need for removal in OR, unplanned pregnancy.
  • Order Nexplanon through the Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Program order set.

IUDs: either placed within 10 minutes after the placenta delivers, OR at 6 weeks postpartum. Offer a “bridge” method (Micronor or Depo-Provera; also consider emergency contraception options such as Plan B).

  • Estrogen-containing contraceptives are not started until 4–6 weeks postpartum.
  • POPs are prescribed at discharge through the discharge tab. Estrogen-containing meds can also be prescribed at discharge — change the starting date.
  • Patient resource: Bedsider.org for patients who are undecided.
Inpatient LARC eligibility decision tree:

1. Full (not Emergency) NC Medicaid: eligible for inpatient LARC.

  • Use Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Program order set → Medicaid LARC.
  • Select Nexplanon. Lidocaine auto-selects.

2. No full NC Medicaid? Check hospital-donated supply. Patient qualifies if ANY of:

  • Teenage pregnancy
  • Lack of resources to come back for follow-up appointment
  • History of or current drug use
  • Mental health disorders
  • Medical condition that puts patient at significant risk with subsequent pregnancy:
  • HELLP syndrome
  • Maternal cardiac disease
  • Preterm birth

If yes: order desired contraception through the LARC Program order set, select non-Medicaid LARC, and page 970-2835 with patient information + which criterion was met.

Referenced by handoffs