Speculation on Increasing Acuity

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I was talking to another IBCLC here about the shift I'm seeing in my

private practice this year. My overall numbers are down and the

patients I am seeing have problems that are extremely complex. I've

always had some clients with multi-factor or severe issues but about a

third were basic, single issue cases. I was blaming it on the economy

(seems like a likely scapegoat for all small business woes) but my

friend had another idea. She speculated that since JCAHO changed their

core measures to better emphasize in-hospital breastfeeding support,

more patients in our area are getting lactation services after delivery.

She thinks this is screening out an increasing number of patients with

relatively simple problems. I'm curious to hear what the rest of you

think of her theory.

Warmly,

Carroll