What is a super bill and what do I do with it?

What is a SUPER BILL and how do I get coverage through my insurance if I was denied through TLN or Wildflower?

First, you pay at the time of your visit for our services (you can use cash/check/card/FSA/HAS) and we can provide you with an official receipt called a “super bill” that you can use for potential reimbursement from your insurance company or medishare plan.     

This link describes what your breastfeeding coverage is under the Affordable Care Act: https://nwlc.org/resource/breastfeeding-benefits-understanding-your-coverage-under-the-affordable-care-act/

Here are things you can do and questions you can ask your insurance carrier PRIOR TO your appointment to potentially have your insurance reimburse you.  This may involve getting preauthorization.

  • What is my coverage for out-of-network Lactation services?
  • Is my provider required to be credentialed as an out-of-network provider for me to receive reimbursement? If yes, please find out exactly what they need from us, and where to fax it, and let Morgan or your IBCLC know.
  • Does my insurance exclude home visits for lactation services (location code 12)?
  • Do I have a co-payment or is there a percentage of the bill I will be responsible for?
  • Does my plan require a deductible to be paid for the calendar year before the coverage begins? If so, what is the dollar amount and how much of my deductible have I already met?
  • Does my insurance plan only cover a limited number of sessions for each calendar year?
  • Is there a fax number I can use to submit superbills? If not, what address should be used?  * When submitting superbills to insurance please be sure to specify that you would like direct reimbursement.
  • Is there an additional form to be submitted with superbills?
  • If your insurance carrier has no in-network lactation consultant (IBCLC) that provides private lactation consults, you can petition that they pre-authorize us as an in-network providers. You can try to get a pre-authorization for your consults, but you must do this beforehand by requesting a “gap exception” or an “in-for-out”. Request that this be expedited. Write everything down — who you spoke with, case number and the authorization number. Ask that you be sent confirmation in writing. (Even with a pre-authorization, you will still pay up-front and request reimbursement from your insurance company.)
  • The typical procedure codes we use are s9443 or 99404,  so find out which is acceptable, or if there are other codes they would like us to use. The diagnosis code used is z39.1 (Maternal Lactation Care).
  • Practitioner information you might need when you call your insurance:
    •  Business name: Lactation Care with Elizabeth. 
    • Company NPI: 1881291144
    • Company EIN: 81-2896336

Ultrasound Therapy for Clogged Ducts

Ultrasound is a great modality to help relieve clogged ducts and mastitis. Jordan at Kort Physical Therapy has been trained in using ultrasound for this purpose.

Healing from childbirth and achieving your breastfeeding goals can be a tough but rewarding journey. Our IBCLC’s can guide you in pain relief measures, dietary recommendations, and supplementation options to help with supply, clogged ducts and mastitis as well. Pain isn’t something you have to live with, we can help!

Check out our Resource and Breastfeeding Help page for more recommended providers to build your support team. Schedule a visit or give us a call for more information or help.

Visit our Services page to schedule your lactation appointment online. New clients should schedule a 30 minute virtual intake appointment first.

For more information about clogged duct treatment or pelvic floor work or to schedule an appointment, call KORT at 800-645-KORT.

How do I survive until I have an appointment?

I realize that sometimes it takes a few days to get in for an appointment.  How do you manage until then?

  • Skin to skin with baby.  Climb in bed with your favorite snacks, bottle of water, and your baby.  Snuggle in and enjoy!  Offer the breast whenever the baby nuzzles around looking to latch.
  • Feed the baby.  Offer the breast every feeding.  Try different positions.  Try supporting your breast.  Maybe even try a nipple shield (I like the Lansinoh brand better than Medela.) If you still can’t get baby to latch on your breast, feed with a syringe or bottle (slow flow Dr. Browns or Lansinoh.)  Babies need to eat AT LEAST 8 times in 24 hours.  It is NOT unusual for them to eat 12 or more times!  You will know your newborn (by 5-7 days old) is getting enough in if they are producing at least 5 wet and 5 dirty diapers per day.
  • Support your supply. If baby isn’t drinking from you or draining you well, or you are supplementing with formula, make friends with your pump!  Pump EVERY TIME the baby gets fed. 
  • Enjoy your baby!  The most important thing for you is to bond with your baby!  This is why skin to skin is so helpful- it not only helps with latching and feeding but it gives you bonding time.  (It is good for lots of other things as well, like temperature regulation and hormone production.)

Hang in there- your appointment is coming soon and we will address the problems you are having and work on moving toward meeting your breastfeeding goals!

Bonding with your baby is so important! (love this photo, courtesy of http://www.lemandjune.com)