Yes, yes, I too am a frustrated hospital based LC that rarely has time to read LACTNET and rarer still ,time to post. My question is "How do your hospitals bill pts for LC services. right now our charge is billed within the nursing budget even for outpts that delievered at the hosptial. Betst Ayers RN, IBCLC frustrated hostpital based IBCLC in Meridian Idaho "As a hospital-based LC, it is relatively common for me to head into the room of a mom who is, according to the postpartum nurse, "doing great, she just has a couple quick questions". Another classic is "She just needs a pump; it won't take long." Then, on interview and exam, Mom has nipple trauma, or a history of augmentation, or is on medications, and the "couple quick questions" that "won't take long" wind up becoming a full-on consult that runs 45 to 60 minutes. Most moms who need a pump also need TEACHING on how to use the pump. This is 15 minutes for a quick review (multip who has done this before and is comfortable w/ the pump provided), and can run into much more for a first-time pump user. Folks, this is what a consultation is, and should be billed appropriately. Part of the reason the lactation field does not get the respect it truly deserves is because so many of us have worked for free, out of a true spirit of kindness and generosity, for so long. This is not a bad thing. However, as long as we short-change ourselves, the rest of the medical community, and our employers, will continue do the same. Just my opinion... Carole Jernigan gratified, but frustrated, hospital-based IBCLC" *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html