Carol wrote:
How do we overcome the cutbacks? I'd recommend the following: 1.)
Designate
lactation as its separate departments (not under nursing), such as other
ancillary disciplines ie. physical therapy, 2.) charge for our services -
inpatient and outpatient, 3.) unite as a profession to be recognized as its
own
entity, and 4.) submit billings for our consults with proper codings for
insurance
reimbursement (with the understanding that full coverage may not be
possible).
I would like to add that IBCLCs must also follow our professional standards
of practice and ethics from ILCA and IBLCE. When we don't do such things as
written consent, test weighing on the appropriate scale, personal histories,
care plans, doctor's reports, insurance receipts, appropriate referrals,
follow up, etc. we create an image of low value.
IBCLCs need to be a part of any local networking group, as well as ILCA, and
continually strive to learn and grow in our skills. Attend upper level
conferences rather than the same old basic courses you have in the past.
Find a mentor who is considered "excellant" by the community to guide you
when things are beyond your skills. Purchase and read several lactation
textbooks and replace them when they are revised.
In my corner of the world, lactation consultants are usually not seen as
"professional" by the general public and the medical community. Much of this
is based on the (low) quality of their experience with an LC.
I also believe we need to move to a degree program like nursing, rather than
the essentially self taught and self managed practice we have now. And I
think we need a better system of making sure IBCLCs know about and follow
our professional standards and ethics.
Off my soap box now.
Kathy Eng, BSW, IBCLC
Houston, TX
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