----- Original Message -----
From: "Robin Gantte" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 7:28 PM
Subject: [LACTNET] Billing for lactation consults

**Hi Robin,

I read your post with interest. I don't know if I understood everything the
way you meant it (I may be missing out on US habits... hahaha), but it
sounds as if the hospital-based-lc-world and the private-practive-lc-world
are indeed worlds apart. Doing consults independently and billing patients
(whether their insurance covers it or not) is the whole idea of being a pp
lc. That is: that's how I plan to work once I pass my exam this year and
that is how my colleagues in pp work. Dutch health insurance companies more
and more take up lc consultations into their basic coverage, but even if
they don't: clients can decide for themselves whether they want lc help or
not. They are autonomous in their decisions and apart from that... it's
still cheaper than buying formula... ;o) Of course, it is wise to take
records of what you do and the appointments you make and policies you agree
upon with clients, so that you can report back to other hcp's. Good
relationships help to build a good image of your work and the profession as
a whole and are part of the SOP. That, in the long run, is in favour of
mothers and their babies. Personally, I find it weird sometimes, having to
have backup from hcp's who have no clue whatsoever about the topic of
breastfeeding... :-s We may be able to 'educate' them, but we have to be
patient, not patients... patient, in the Latin sense of the word. ;o)

Warmly,

Marianne Vanderveen, Netherlands

>I am a LC in East Tennessee and my hospital is wanting to start an
>outpaient lactation service for the community.  Does anyone know if any
>insurances cover lactation consultant visits or breast pumps?   I am an RN
>and IBCLC.  Also, is it OK to do consults independently and bill patients
>for this or do you need physician backup?  If there is anyway anyone could
>give me any direction I would greatly appreciate it? I have got Linda's
>Smith's guide to starting a practice.
>  Thanks, Robin

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