Hello, Kathy,
Are you billing Medicaid through your private practice or through the
hospital?  I understand that Medicaid is reimbursing our hospital
lactation consults and pump kits (or hand pumps).  The Medicaid moms who need
the electric pump have to get one from the county Health Department loan
program.

I had a mother call two days ago regarding breastfeeding class.  She was told
by the Medicaid office that the breastfeeding classes would be covered if
they were billed.  I have not yet had time to call our business office
regarding this procedure for class.  Mothers generally pay up-front for
class.

Now the amount of reimbursement is another question!  I think that NC
Medicaid reimburses for hospital lactation support and services about as well
as it does for anything else.  However, South Carolina Medicaid has
reimbursed at only 15% of charges which, of course, does not come close to
covering the cost of service.  I should have some more numbers in a couple of
months as I am flagging patients to track for reimbursement trends.

Some weeks ago I pulled files at random and checked on reimbursement.  That
is how I found out about the 15% rate for SC Medicaid.  The others reimbursed
well--most over 90%; few at the 55-65% level.  No charge was rejected.
Pardee H. HInson, MPH, IBCLC
Charlotte, NC