Denise's recent post proposes a parallel between provision of durable
medical equipment and breastfeeding equipment.  In her first example, it
was the physician who assessed the baby and determined the need for an
apnea monitor.  The home health nurse then brought the prescribed equipment
and taught mom how to use it.  She was not the person who identified the
specific problem nor the provider who identified the need for equipment.

In the second example, the LC assessed the problem, chose the equipment and
then sold/rented it to the client.  (Although in some cases the physician
may assist in getting reimbursement for the equipment, the physician did
not recommend the specific equipment chosen.) In my opinion, the second
example is not equivalent to the first in the sense that the same
provider--the LC--assessed mom & baby, chose specific equipment
recommended, and profited from its use.

Cindy Turner-Maffei, MA, IBCLC
Massachusetts, USA