TO my understanding (from dealing with insurance companies) the ACA does not specify WHAT type of pump, only that there is an allowance for a pump.  In many companies, it is a reimbursable allowance equal to the cost of a manual pump, that's it.  There is no discrimination.  And in my experience, what you have described is common occurrence.   We have come up with our own terminology - builder and maintainer pumps.   

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Dr Leeper
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 9:10 AM
Subject: hospital grade pumps vs single user

This issue is coming to a head for us with insurance companies.

Since the ACA is insisting private insurance companies provide "breastfeeding supplies" for moms, many are receiving their single user pump before they realize they really need a Symphony. But insurers will often only provide one or the other. The most recent example was a mom who had a newborn with a bowel obstruction. Mom was given a Freestyle pump as her baby was emergently transferred to another hospital. Unfortunately, mom had breast reduction surgery a few years ago, and is only making 1 oz at a time at 3 weeks.

I know there are moms who do "fine" with their single user pumps.  But I see many moms who do better with a Symphony.  It is often the mom who is struggling to make enough, or has a baby issue forcing her to pump exclusively .  A Symphony can allow her to comfortably turn the pump up high enough to remove milk optimally.  Yes, hand expression during and after pumping is also helpful--more so for some moms than others.

Kathy Leeper, MD, IBCLC, FABM
Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist
MilkWorks- a nonprofit breastfeeding center
5930 South 58th St, Suite W Lincoln, NE 68516 (402)423-6402, Fax:(402)423-6422, www.milkworks.org

Creating a healthier community by helping mothers breastfeed their babies...


Email Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in this transmission is confidential, proprietary or privileged and may be subject to protection under the law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The message is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use, distribution or copying of the message is strictly prohibited and may subject you to criminal or civil penalties. If you received this transmission in error, please contact the sender immediately by replying to this email and delete the material from any computer.




             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome