FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How much is a visit?
Our out-of-pocket fee is $250 for the initial visit. Initial visits usually last about 2 hours. The fee for follow-up visits is $150. Follow-up visits are usually 60-90 minutes long. Telehealth consultations are available for $100 for a 60-90 minute video call. The fee for a telephone consultation is $30 for 30 minutes, with each additional minute charged at $1 per minute. If you are paying out of pocket, you will receive a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
2. Do you take insurance?
Yes, we take some insurance. We have recently partnered with The Lactation Network, and they provide the insurance processing. To see if your plan covers our services, please click on this link and complete the form on The Lactation Network’s website. They will email you back with information whether your visits are covered, and if so, how many.
3. What happens during a visit?
If your baby is calm when I arrive, I usually start by taking a medical history for you and your baby to give me an idea if there are any potential challenges to breastfeeding in your background. I listen carefully to your account of how your breastfeeding difficulties developed, what you have tried, what has worked for you, and what has not. Next, I take a naked weight for your baby, and assist with latching, if necessary. At this time, I may examine your breasts and the baby’s mouth for any anatomical differences that might account for your breastfeeding concerns. Based on the information I gathered, and on observing your baby at the breast, I explain my recommendations and check with you to make sure my recommendations are workable for you. I can answer any additional questions you may have. At the end of the visit, I write you a plan of care to follow, we discuss whether any follow-ups are necessary, and I fill out a superbill that you can use to file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement.
If your baby is fussy when I arrive, I may go first to latching the baby and complete my documentation once baby is settled at the breast.
4. Can I feed my baby before the visit?
Yes, actually, please do. It is better if baby is not starving when I arrive, so there is time talk. However, it is also not good to stuff your baby so full before our visit that he or she will not be interested in latching at all during my 2 hour visit. Use your best judgment.
5. How long is a visit?
My initial visits typically last between 90 minutes to 2 hours, and occasionally longer. Follow-ups are 1 hour long.
6. What do you bring with you?
I bring a baby scale, a breastfeeding pillow, gloves and devices such as nipple shields, breast shells, lanolin samples, periodontal syringes, feeding tubes, supplemental nursing systems. If you would like me to bring a hospital grade pump to try, please let me know in advance.
7. Do you rent pumps?
No, I do not. I have access to one hospital grade pump which I can bring on request.
8. Do you sell stuff?
Very occasionally, if I recommend the use of nipple shields, breast shells or supplemental nursing systems, these items can be purchased from me.
9. How can I pay for the visit?
If you were approved for a lactation visit through The Lactation Network, you pay nothing at the visit. If you are paying out of pocket, we take cash, checks, credit cards, HSA cards, Venmo, Zelle and PayPal payments.
10. Do I need to pay you or will you charge the insurance company?
If your insurance preapproved the visit after you filled out The Lactation Network form, you pay nothing at the visit. If you are paying out of pocket, payment is expected at the end of the visit.
11. Why do you need my obstetrician’s and my pediatrician’s contact information?
I may need to work together with your physician to develop the best care plan for you and your baby. In the consent form you sign, you give me permission to discuss your case with your medical care provider.
12. Are you a doctor? Can you prescribe stuff?
No, I am not a medical care provider of any kind (physician or nurse or midwife). I cannot prescribe any medications. I can share information with you regarding medications, herbal supplements, etc, that you should discuss with your care provider to make sure they are safe for you and your baby.
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