Billing for phone consults

[Guest guest]

Okay, this is probably the most basic of questions, but how does one bill for phone consults? I'm so used to doing most of my work over the phone (LLLL background) and also used to not clocking them, that I'm not sure how to make this transition. I'd intended to request payment at the time of service for face-to-face consults, but am clueless about how follow-up or simple consults that only need a phone call might be charged.

Thanks, Gerboth, IBCLCPueblo, Coloradowww.safepassagebirth.com

[Guest guest]

we have never charged for phone follow up, and if the situation warrents extended time, they should really come in for face to face. we have considered charging for phone consultation at times, but so many lactation consults are more complex than it seems at first, over the phone, and so many things MUST be seen to be assessed, i have never felt this was a very good idea.

i would rather offer a sliding scale (and we do) to save folks money than miss something because i didn't see them in person.

that said, if someone lived far away and had no other resources locally for in person consultation, i could see doing what i could over the internet/phone....

i'd say you could use paypal pretty easily - they just paypal you the money before the call? maybe bill in 15 minute increments?

Lyla

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[Guest guest]

Interesting...I guess I keep thinking of the kind of questions we get as LLLLs, but perhaps they are likely to direct those to LLL rather than an LC. Also, I suppose if you set your fees well, then that should cover time involved in brief phone follow-ups, and, like you said, if it's more complicated, you can require a f-2-f meeting.

Thanks, Lyla. Good food for thought.

we have never charged for phone follow up, and if the situation warrents extended time, they should really come in for face to face. we have considered charging for phone consultation at times, but so many lactation consults are more complex than it seems at first, over the phone, and so many things MUST be seen to be assessed, i have never felt this was a very good idea.

i would rather offer a sliding scale (and we do) to save folks money than miss something because i didn't see them in person.

that said, if someone lived far away and had no other resources locally for in person consultation, i could see doing what i could over the internet/phone....

i'd say you could use paypal pretty easily - they just paypal you the money before the call? maybe bill in 15 minute increments?

Lyla

..

[Guest guest]

I don't charge for phone consults, but I can tell pretty quickly whether the mother ought to be seen in person. If the mother's questions are not really a "problem" (e.i., what should I be eating?) I give a brief answer and refer her to the LLL for more info, also give her the LLLI web address and tell her the kind of info they have.

The ex-LLL Leader in me wants to sit and schmooze about mothering, but as an LC I don't feel that's my role anymore.

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Okay, this is probably the most basic of questions, but how does one bill for phone consults? I'm so used to doing most of my work over the phone (LLLL background) and also used to not clocking them, that I'm not sure how to make this transition. I'd intended to request payment at the time of service for face-to-face consults, but am clueless about how follow-up or simple consults that only need a phone call might be charged.