Dear Ginna,
 When we have a breastfeeding referral we've found it easier for the
 insurances to recognize the baby as the patient, since (IMHO) the baby is
 the person most at risk for damage if the breastfeeding condition is not
 rectified.  We usually get the pedicatrician to order the assessment even
 if the mother has made the request through her OB.
 Hope that helps.
 Lucy

> ----------
> > 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
> >