Anyone purchase a pump through Piedmont lactation center?

lrn327

Has anyone purchased their pump through the hospital's lactation center?  I am wondering if this is cheaper route than through Target/BRU?  Apparently my insurance will reimburse a portion at least though the rep indicated that it might be as little as $28 if I sent in my store receipt.  I have durable medical equipment coverage at 90% after the deductible (which I've met) so thinking the hospital might be the best route since I assume they'll bill the insurance.  Any experiences are appreciated!

Louise06

I could be wrong but I am pretty sure Piedmont has stopped selling breast pumps.

to-be-lam

If you don't/can't do it through the hospital, lactationcare.com has them cheaper than BRU (mine was $100 cheaper, but that was 3 years ago).

keg

I rented a hospital-grade pump through Piedmont, but as of a year and a half ago, they did have some pumps (or at least boxes) in the window of their lactation center.  The only thing is that I think they only would have Ameda pumps.  I'm a fan of Amedas, but if you have your heart set on a Medela, you'll probably have to go somewhere else.  You could always call their center and see if they have pumps for sale and if they bill insurance.  

Mrs.PeachyKeen

If I remember correctly, when I took the BF class back in Feb, they did sell pumps.  They prefer the Ameda, but also had the Medela.

 

 

GTLawGirl

I looked into this, so I can tell you what I know.

I delivered at Crawford Long, which didn't have a lacatation center.  I wanted an Ameda pump, and at the time, the Lacation Centers at Piedmont & Kennestone were virtually two of the only places to purchase them in Atlanta. 

The lacation centers charge the full retail price for the pump, and file against your insurance. If you have insurance that is willing to cover a portion of the pump, this can be a great thing because your portion to pay will likely be very little.  However, I called my insurance company beforehand (United Healthcare) and was told that they absolutely would NOT cover this.  Thus, I would have ended up getting stuck with an almost $300 bill. 

Before you buy your pump at the hospital, call your insurance company to see if they have this benefit.  If you are like me, and your insurance won't pay, then look into online medical supply companies.  I paid ~$150 for my Ameda pump online, plus no shipping charges or sales tax.

 

almostanO

I bought an ameda pump at piedmont lactation center.  It was ok but I didn't love it.  My insurance covered the pump so I bought there.

lrn327

Thanks for all of the info!  I am open to brands I guess at this point, particularly if the insurance is buying.  They've indicated they will pay for a portion of it so will investigate all of these options.