Billing for Phone Consults

[Guest guest]

I never charge for phone consults; although, having phone conversation

take time, I can not consider them as consults. I personally would

not feel right charging and I think it would inhibit communication

with the families I work with. Yes, there are times I feel a consult

is needed and the family does not follow through, but I have learned

to do the best I can in that scenario and offer appropriate referrals.

I also wonder about " the gray area " if you charge for a phone

consult---legally how do you determine if it was appropriate—would

another lactation consultant have seen mother instead, if so that

could establish negligence on your part. If you charge a fee for this

service it only cements the fact that you considered the phone

conversation a consultation. Accepting payment for a phone

conversation opens Pandora's box; it is not possible to fully asses

via phone or email.

I am guessing this topic has been debated before.

Respectfully,

Casi Leahy

BA, RN, MSN, LCCE, IBCLC

TheLactationLady@...

www.thelactationlady.com

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