We always charge the baby when in NICU.  In newborn nursery, while both mom
and baby are patients, either one may be charged.  We don't seem to have
problems with this EXCEPT when there is poor documentation of rationale and a
question re: justifying additional cost.   What we do have problems with is
extremely poor coverage of breast pump rentals.....Although our medicaid moms
are getting rentals covered, our private insurers are not doing a good job.
 My next project is to get our own hospital's plan to understand this need
and cover it.  Wish me luck and any tips you may have.

In a message dated 97-10-03 09:22:43 EDT, you write:

<< --------
 > > From: Virginia Wall <[log in to unmask]>
 > > To:
 > > Subject: Bill mother or infant?
 > > Date: Thursday, October 02, 1997 2:54 PM
 > >
 > > A question for lactation consultants who work in hospitals:
 > >
 > > When you are helping a mother to initiate or maintain lactation for a
 > > hospitalized infant (that is, you are working with the mother but the
 > > infant is not yet going to breast due to prematurity, illness, surgery,
 > > etc.), do you bill the mother or the infant?  Do you have the mother
 (who
 > > is technically not a patient at your hospital) to register as an
 > > outpatient and sign a consent for care?
 > >
 > > Thanks in advance!
 > >
 > > Ginna Wall, MN, IBCLC, Lactation Services Coordinator
 > > University of Washington Medical Center, Mailbox 356153
 > > 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle WA 98195
 > > Voicemail: (206)548-6368, Fax: (206)548-7665
 > > >>