Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your fees?
Home Visits
Discounted time-of-service rates are available for families who are not using insurance.
Home Visit Convenience FeeHome visits include a convenience fee that is not billable to insurance. This fee is based on the distance from our office (ZIP code 97202):
Please note: Home visits with Ashley are prioritized for families who establish care prenatally and for babies under one month of age.
Why do I need to enter a credit card when I schedule?
A credit card is required to reserve your appointment but will not be charged when you book.
If your appointment is a home visit, your card will be charged after your visit for the applicable home visit convenience fee. If your insurance assigns any patient responsibility (such as deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or non-covered services), the card on file may also be charged for those amounts after your insurance claim has been processed.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We currently bill the following insurance plans for home, office, and virtual visits:
Many private insurance plans cover lactation care as a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, some plans apply deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, and certain visits may not qualify as preventive depending on the services provided.
Because every feeding situation is unique, some appointments require additional medical evaluation and management beyond preventive counseling. When medically appropriate, additional billing codes may be submitted, and your insurance benefits will determine your financial responsibility.
We recommend contacting your insurance company before your appointment and asking:
"Do I have in-network coverage for lactation services billed under CPT code S9443 with diagnosis code Z39.1, billed as professional services rather than facility services?"
Do you offer virtual lactation visits?
Yes! We provide telehealth appointments for families throughout Oregon.
Virtual visits are a great option for:
Will my insurance cover a virtual visit?
Coverage for telehealth lactation services varies considerably between insurance plans.
Although many plans cover in-person lactation care, virtual benefits are often different. Some plans fully cover telehealth visits, while others do not or may require deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.
We'll do our best to verify your telehealth benefits before your appointment, but final payment decisions are made by your insurance company after your claim is processed.
Based on our billing experience:
Insurance Typical Telehealth Coverage
Aetna - Virtual visits are not currently available through Cascadia Lactation for members of this insurance plan. We are happy to see you for an in-person office or home visit
BCBS - Many plans do not cover telehealth - it is strongly encouraged to check in with your plan and make sure they will cover virtual visits *with an IBCLC*.
Cigna - Generally covered
Meritain Health - Virtual visits are not currently available through Cascadia Lactation for members of this insurance plan. We are happy to see you for an in-person office or home visit
Moda Health - Generally covered
PacificSource - Generally covered
UMR - Virtual visits are not currently available through Cascadia Lactation for members of this insurance plan. We are happy to see you for an in-person office or home visit
UnitedHealthcare - Virtual visits are not currently available through Cascadia Lactation for members of this insurance plan. We are happy to see you for an in-person office or home visit
Oregon Health Plan - Coverage varies by employer, policy, network status, and plan design.
This information reflects our general billing experience and is not a guarantee of coverage.
We encourage you to contact your insurance company before scheduling and ask:
When should I meet with a lactation consultant?
The ideal time is before your baby is born through a prenatal consultation. Prenatal visits allow us to prepare you for feeding, answer questions, and address any concerns before delivery.
If your baby has already arrived, it's never too late. We see families from the first days after birth through weaning and beyond.
Where do appointments take place?
Prenatal Visits
What areas do you serve for home visits?
We provide home visits throughout the Portland metro area.
Home visits within approximately 20 miles of our office (97202) are available with the standard convenience fee. Visits beyond that distance may be available with an additional travel fee based on location.
How do I schedule?
Scheduling is easy!
Simply book your appointment online at any time using our online scheduler.
What are your fees?
Home Visits
- Initial Postpartum Visit (90 minutes): $275
- Follow-Up, Prenatal, Bottle Refusal, Return-to-Work, and Weaning Visits (45 minutes): $225
- All office visits: $225
Discounted time-of-service rates are available for families who are not using insurance.
Home Visit Convenience FeeHome visits include a convenience fee that is not billable to insurance. This fee is based on the distance from our office (ZIP code 97202):
- 1–20 miles: $50
- 21–30 miles: $75
Please note: Home visits with Ashley are prioritized for families who establish care prenatally and for babies under one month of age.
Why do I need to enter a credit card when I schedule?
A credit card is required to reserve your appointment but will not be charged when you book.
If your appointment is a home visit, your card will be charged after your visit for the applicable home visit convenience fee. If your insurance assigns any patient responsibility (such as deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or non-covered services), the card on file may also be charged for those amounts after your insurance claim has been processed.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We currently bill the following insurance plans for home, office, and virtual visits:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Moda Health
- PacificSource
- TriCare
- UnitedHealthcare
- Oregon Health Plan (selected plans)
Many private insurance plans cover lactation care as a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, some plans apply deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, and certain visits may not qualify as preventive depending on the services provided.
Because every feeding situation is unique, some appointments require additional medical evaluation and management beyond preventive counseling. When medically appropriate, additional billing codes may be submitted, and your insurance benefits will determine your financial responsibility.
We recommend contacting your insurance company before your appointment and asking:
"Do I have in-network coverage for lactation services billed under CPT code S9443 with diagnosis code Z39.1, billed as professional services rather than facility services?"
Do you offer virtual lactation visits?
Yes! We provide telehealth appointments for families throughout Oregon.
Virtual visits are a great option for:
- Prenatal education
- Breastfeeding or chestfeeding concerns
- Pumping support
- Bottle refusal
- Returning to work
- Weaning
- Follow-up care
- General feeding questions
Will my insurance cover a virtual visit?
Coverage for telehealth lactation services varies considerably between insurance plans.
Although many plans cover in-person lactation care, virtual benefits are often different. Some plans fully cover telehealth visits, while others do not or may require deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.
We'll do our best to verify your telehealth benefits before your appointment, but final payment decisions are made by your insurance company after your claim is processed.
Based on our billing experience:
Insurance Typical Telehealth Coverage
Aetna - Virtual visits are not currently available through Cascadia Lactation for members of this insurance plan. We are happy to see you for an in-person office or home visit
BCBS - Many plans do not cover telehealth - it is strongly encouraged to check in with your plan and make sure they will cover virtual visits *with an IBCLC*.
Cigna - Generally covered
Meritain Health - Virtual visits are not currently available through Cascadia Lactation for members of this insurance plan. We are happy to see you for an in-person office or home visit
Moda Health - Generally covered
PacificSource - Generally covered
UMR - Virtual visits are not currently available through Cascadia Lactation for members of this insurance plan. We are happy to see you for an in-person office or home visit
UnitedHealthcare - Virtual visits are not currently available through Cascadia Lactation for members of this insurance plan. We are happy to see you for an in-person office or home visit
Oregon Health Plan - Coverage varies by employer, policy, network status, and plan design.
This information reflects our general billing experience and is not a guarantee of coverage.
We encourage you to contact your insurance company before scheduling and ask:
- Does my plan cover telehealth lactation consultations with an IBCLC?
- Will I owe a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance?
When should I meet with a lactation consultant?
The ideal time is before your baby is born through a prenatal consultation. Prenatal visits allow us to prepare you for feeding, answer questions, and address any concerns before delivery.
If your baby has already arrived, it's never too late. We see families from the first days after birth through weaning and beyond.
Where do appointments take place?
Prenatal Visits
- Virtual
- Office
- Home
- Home
- Office
- Virtual
- North Portland
- Southwest Portland
What areas do you serve for home visits?
We provide home visits throughout the Portland metro area.
Home visits within approximately 20 miles of our office (97202) are available with the standard convenience fee. Visits beyond that distance may be available with an additional travel fee based on location.
How do I schedule?
Scheduling is easy!
Simply book your appointment online at any time using our online scheduler.
Visit types:
Prenatal visits (45 minutes): These visits are a time to cover any concerns you may have about breast/chestfeeding your baby. Reasons for a prenatal visit vary and can include a history of difficulties breast/chestfeeding previous children, history of breast/chest surgery, maternal history of PCOS, maternal history of infertility, multiples and inducing lactation - it's also great for anyone wanting to get breast/chestfeeding off to a successful start. The visit concludes with a personalized plan. Booking a prenatal visit also guarantees you’ll be seen by one of our lactation consultants within the first week of your baby’s life. These visits are offered in office or virtually.
Postpartum Initial Visits (90 minutes for office/90 minutes for home): These visits can be scheduled after the baby has arrived! The postpartum visit is geared towards families having breast/chestfeeding challenges and include, but are not limited to: a full assessment of baby, including oral exam and suck assessment, a full evaluation of your milk supply, along with a feeding assessment including assistance with latching and a weighted feed with a hospital grade scale. Each visit will conclude with a personalized plan to help you reach your feeding goals. The consult lasts about 90 minutes and includes follow-up via phone or email within 48 hours of the visit.
Return to Paid Work Visits (45 minutes): The return to paid work visit is designed to help you navigate the transition back to work while continuing your lactation journey. Returning to paid work after parental leave can be challenging, but with the right support, you can maintain your feeding goals. Our lactation experts are here to provide guidance, support, and practical solutions to ensure a smooth and successful return to the workforce.
Weaning Visits (45 minutes): The weaning visit focuses on the process of gradually and comfortably discontinuing breast/chestfeeding. During this visit, you'll receive guidance on techniques, strategies, and emotional support to help you and your baby transition from breast/chestfeeding to other forms of nourishment, ensuring a gentle and positive experience for both of you.
Bottle Refusal Visits (45 minutes): Bottle refusal visits will address and overcome challenges your baby may have with bottle-feeding. During this visit, the consultant will assess the specific issues causing bottle refusal, offer strategies to encourage bottle acceptance, and provide guidance to ensure your baby receives proper nourishment while allowing flexibility in feeding methods.
Prenatal visits (45 minutes): These visits are a time to cover any concerns you may have about breast/chestfeeding your baby. Reasons for a prenatal visit vary and can include a history of difficulties breast/chestfeeding previous children, history of breast/chest surgery, maternal history of PCOS, maternal history of infertility, multiples and inducing lactation - it's also great for anyone wanting to get breast/chestfeeding off to a successful start. The visit concludes with a personalized plan. Booking a prenatal visit also guarantees you’ll be seen by one of our lactation consultants within the first week of your baby’s life. These visits are offered in office or virtually.
Postpartum Initial Visits (90 minutes for office/90 minutes for home): These visits can be scheduled after the baby has arrived! The postpartum visit is geared towards families having breast/chestfeeding challenges and include, but are not limited to: a full assessment of baby, including oral exam and suck assessment, a full evaluation of your milk supply, along with a feeding assessment including assistance with latching and a weighted feed with a hospital grade scale. Each visit will conclude with a personalized plan to help you reach your feeding goals. The consult lasts about 90 minutes and includes follow-up via phone or email within 48 hours of the visit.
Return to Paid Work Visits (45 minutes): The return to paid work visit is designed to help you navigate the transition back to work while continuing your lactation journey. Returning to paid work after parental leave can be challenging, but with the right support, you can maintain your feeding goals. Our lactation experts are here to provide guidance, support, and practical solutions to ensure a smooth and successful return to the workforce.
Weaning Visits (45 minutes): The weaning visit focuses on the process of gradually and comfortably discontinuing breast/chestfeeding. During this visit, you'll receive guidance on techniques, strategies, and emotional support to help you and your baby transition from breast/chestfeeding to other forms of nourishment, ensuring a gentle and positive experience for both of you.
Bottle Refusal Visits (45 minutes): Bottle refusal visits will address and overcome challenges your baby may have with bottle-feeding. During this visit, the consultant will assess the specific issues causing bottle refusal, offer strategies to encourage bottle acceptance, and provide guidance to ensure your baby receives proper nourishment while allowing flexibility in feeding methods.
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