Wiki Lactation services in pediatric office

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bcastlen

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We have a NP that is getting her certification in lactation counseling. We are a pediatric office. Is this service only billable under the child?
 
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I am in the same situation you are in. I attached some information that I found on the AAP website. I am having a hard time finding any straightforward information.
 

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Isn't pediatric nutrition a part of pediatric care, whether bottle or breast? And why should their be any extra reimbursement for something integral to quality patient care in the first place?
 
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fwnewbie said:
Isn't pediatric nutrition a part of pediatric care, whether bottle or breast? And why should their be any extra reimbursement for something integral to quality patient care in the first place?
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Because lactation consulting is more than "pediatric nutrition". There is a lot that is integral to quality patient care that is paid separately.
 
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SharonCollachi said:
Because lactation consulting is more than "pediatric nutrition". There is a lot that is integral to quality patient care that is paid separately.
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Ok, so is every problem area addressed also paid separately? Like constipation? Diaper rash? I'm just trying to get this concept of which problem areas qualify for reimbursement when I consider it an expected part of patient care.
 
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fwnewbie said:
Ok, so is every problem area addressed also paid separately? Like constipation? Diaper rash? I'm just trying to get this concept of which problem areas qualify for reimbursement when I consider it an expected part of patient care.
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A lactation consultant is a breastfeeding expert who has earned the credentials IBCLC. These lactation specialists assess and treat both common and serious nursing problems. They most often support mothers in how to increase milk supply, find the best nursing position, and manage breastfeeding pain.
 
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fwnewbie said:
Ok, so is every problem area addressed also paid separately? Like constipation? Diaper rash? I'm just trying to get this concept of which problem areas qualify for reimbursement when I consider it an expected part of patient care.
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I think you know that not every single problem area addressed separately is paid. Your statement sounds a bit disingenuous.

As rthomas said, a lactation consultant is someone with specialized training; this is not just a nurse (or even the doctor) talking about feeding a baby. This is someone with special training, and there are codes for the services they deliver.

If you have a dietician in your office, there are codes for their services.

If you have a physical therapist in your office, there are codes for their services.

Since you always choose the code that is the MOST specific to your services, if there is a code for it, you bill that instead of an E&M code.
 
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Yeah, my examples were a bit simplistic. I'm disappointed in the route medicine has taken - it's all about the money these days.
And breastfeeding can be difficult for sure. We had an RN lactation consultant in the Labor and Delivery area who was also a mother of 4 breast-fed children. Her personal experiences were every bit as helpful as any training. And most of us RN's working the unit had breast fed before so that really boosted the quality of care IMO.
 
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fwnewbie said:
Yeah, my examples were a bit simplistic. I'm disappointed in the route medicine has taken - it's all about the money these days.
And breastfeeding can be difficult for sure. We had an RN lactation consultant in the Labor and Delivery area who was also a mother of 4 breast-fed children. Her personal experiences were every bit as helpful as any training. And most of us RN's working the unit had breast fed before so that really boosted the quality of care IMO.
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So if a patient comes in and sees a lactation consultant (instead of seeing the doctor), why does it seem to bother you that they would bill a more specific cpt code rather than an E&M code?
 
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