Does insurance cover lactation visits?

Yes! The Affordable Care Act of 2010 mandated that lactation be covered as a preventative benefit by insurance. Although, some health plans do not have to comply if they were established before that time. Unfortunately, even some insurance plans that were established after that time will not cover 100% since the language written into the bill was somewhat unclear. Most health plans want to help you and your baby off to a great start, though, so give them a call and check with your plan! They may even give you our name!

Do you take insurance?

YES! The Feeding Connection, LLC is proud to be a Certified Tricare Provider and the following plans can be seen for IN-OFFICE or TELEHEALTH APPTS:

- Tricare Select, Tricare Reserve Select, Tricare Retired Reserve, Tricare Young Adult, and Tricare Overseas Program

We are also proud to be in-network with:

Cigna

Blue Cross Blue Shield

United Healthcare

UMR

For all patients without insurance coverage, the cash rate will apply, and a “prompt-pay” discount rate may be applied at the time of service.

However, you will be provided a superbill you can submit to your insurance if it is not listed above. Your superbill will include all the information your plan will need to provide you with reimbursement from your visit once it has been submitted. We will make every effort to ensure the highest level of accuracy. However, reimbursement cannot be guaranteed and is subject to your health plan’s coverage.

Will there be any cost to me for the visit?

For all cash pay patients, payment is taken prior to or at the time of service. If your visit is covered by insurance, the office will provide you with a quote of benefits, and coinsurance or co-payments may be collected prior to or at the time of service.

For in-home visits, a travel fee may be assessed. For any service address outside a 15-mile radius of the Alliance Town Center, the Newark, TX office address, or the Amarillo location, $15 plus an additional $5 for every 5 miles will be assessed. Travel fees are not covered by insurance.

There is no travel fee assessed with office visits.

How do I pay for the visit?

An invoice will be created at the time of the appointment booking. Insurance will be billed first if insurance is available. Any balance the insurance does not cover will be sent to the patient. Payment may be made through the secure, online portal, taken over the phone, or collected in person at point of service.

Preferred payments: Cash, check, Venmo (@TheFeedingConnection), or Cash App ($TheFeedingConnection); FSA/HSA is accepted as well as all major credit cards.

A credit card will be securely placed on file for all scale rentals.

What is your cancellation policy?

We will make every effort to schedule appointments as soon as they are available and that are suitable for you, your baby, and your family. If the appointment is canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, the credit card on file may be charged a $25 cancellation fee.

What happens during a lactation visit?

A thorough case history is taken and reviewed, a weight is taken using a lactation-specific scale, an oral exam is completed for baby, a breast exam is completed for mom, and a feeding is assessed. Support is provided throughout the session. Recommendations are then provided, a plan of care is established, and any follow-up visits are scheduled as necessary.

Who can benefit from a lactation visit?

Short answer - Everyone! In 2022, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended increased support for all women who desire to breastfeed. Breastfeeding often comes with challenges that are difficult to work through. Having a professional who can pinpoint your particular challenge and give you a plan to work through it will make all the difference in the world!

What education does a lactation consultant have?

The International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant obtains certification a couple different ways. However, all consultants have taken 95 hours of lactation-specific education, completed at least 500 hours of hands-on clinical practice hours, and sat for (and passed!) a 175-question international exam.

What education does a speech pathologist have?

A speech pathologist is required to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. They complete a Clinical Fellowship year with supervision after graduation with the Master’s Degree and must pass a national exam for licensure. Speech Pathologists are provided with education regarding Dysphagia (feeding and swallowing disorders) in both adults and pediatrics.

A speech pathologist who specializes in infant feeding and swallowing has completed extensive education in the typical and abnormal development of feeding in neonates.

Do I need to see a lactation consultant or speech/feeding therapist?

You will be getting the best of both worlds at The Feeding Connection, LLC. We specialize in high-risk pregnancy prenatal consultations, lactation consultations after baby is born, and ongoing consultations to help you meet all your feeding goals as your baby grows!