HOW LONG ARE VISITS?
Visits are usually between 90 minutes and 2 hours, depending on how long it takes to assess a feeding and come up with a plan.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A HOME VISIT?
A lactation consultation usually takes around 2 hours. Generally I stay as long as it takes to evaluate your situation and develop a plan that works for you. Lactation consultations include taking a detailed history; evaluating the mother and infant, including weighing the infant; a breastfeeding evaluation; and coming up with a plan tailored to your specific situation. I can assess milk intake with a sensitive scale, and can assess any need for supplementation. Reports to your healthcare providers are also included, as are follow-up phone calls. Partners are very welcome to be present during consultation.
WILL INSURANCE COVER YOUR SERVICES?
I am in-network with Aetna and Unicare GIC, and can bill these insurance companies directly. With other insurers, I provide a detailed coded receipt that you can submit for reimbursement. Most insurers are reimbursing lactation visits in full with no copays or deductibles. See information below on the Affordable Care Act and lactation support.
HOW DOES THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AFFECT LACTATION SUPPORT?
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, lactation services should now be covered in full with no copayment. However, not all insurance companies are implementing this change in the same way, and you should check with your provider to see what their requirements are. Unless I am a preferred provider for your plan, I will need to require payment in full at the time of your visit, but I will provide a detailed receipt for you to send to your insurance company for reimbursement.
WHAT IS AN INTERNATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANT® (IBCLC®)?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. An IBCLC is certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, Inc. under the direction of the US National Commission for Certifying Agencies. An IBCLC works in a wide variety of health care settings, including hospitals, pediatric offices, public health clinics, and private practice.
