Hey Netters,

Well, you can tell how far back on posts I am, but unfortunately I was in a
car accident a few weeks ago which put me back to square one with my brain
healing.  Neurologist reassured me last Fri. it was not permanant brain
damage and that it would take a year for neurons to reconnect up and the
brain to heal back to normal.  Another miracle, and back to disability until
June.
In my 12years of marketing LC services, I would explain to Dr., childbirth
educators, nurses, midwives, as well as clients that I have 14 years
experience as a maternity nurse and 12 years ago specialized in lactation.  I
have attended a training program and am board certified in lactation.  I see
clients in the office, home visits, and on occasion do telephone consults.
The consults include starting a chart so that there is a complete history and
physical taken and mother/baby assessment done to get a clear picture of what
is happening.  After the consult is completed, I will consult with the
attending physician to have continuity of care.  The client has a warm line
available to her if she has any questions or concerns.  Follow up is done
until the problem has resolved. (or not resolved).  I know some people charge
per hr. while others charge per visit.  Jan Barger and I have found charging
a one time fee for telephone consults works well for us.  Some abuse it while
others only talk to you once.  Telephone consults are usually working moms,
reassurance of normal to a mom (wnats to be able to contact you anytime she
might have a question) drugs and breastfeeding.  We will not do latch-on
difficulties, sore nips, low wt gain, etc. over the phones.  Charts are done
even on phone consults and everything documented that is said and done.
 Office visits and home visits are a one inclusive fee.  I remember 12 years
ago my phone consults were $5.00.  That was the good old days.  Now most
phone calls are $25-$30.  Our office visits at one time were $45.00 and home
visits were $65.00 (plus milage).  Times have changed and so have fees.
  After that introduction, I will send out our brochure and business card and
or try to make an appt. (10mins is all Drs have) to see him and leave
business cards and brochures in the office.  In my 12 years I have had maybe
5 people not pay and Drs. have been extremely receptive to having access to
an LC to limit the time and phone calls of the mom with breastfeeding
questions/problems.  I will occasionally tell a mom when she says "you charge
WHAT" that my fee is alot cheaper than what you will pay for formula and
 Drs. office visits when your baby gets sick.  I do day it in a joking way.
 There is lots more marketing skills---- come to Jan Barger, Kathy Auerback
and my conf. "Breastfeeding '96:  The INS, OUTS, UPS and DOWNS of LC Private
Practice.  Two day conf. April 12 and 13 in Schaumburg, IL.  Hows that for
marketing.  (I will be lecturing on marketing and time management skills)
 There will be a wonderful panel on setting and collecting fees.  Contact Jan
for further info.  Is that OK Jan????(ha, ha) You can e-mail me too. Take
care all and never forget that you and your services are a very valuable
asset and you deserve to be compensated for them.

Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC
Naperville, IL where it will be 60 degrees tomorrow
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