What is a hospital-grade breast pump?
A hospital-grade breast pump is a multi-user rental breast pump designed for mothers with a medical necessity preventing them from properly breastfeeding their babies – examples include (but are not limited to) a baby being in the NICU, mastitis, congenital defects, feeding difficulties, a prolonged separation between mom and baby at birth, or multiple births such as twins/triplets/etc. Because of these specific requirements, many insurers limit their coverage of these pumps.
The hospital-grade breast pump offered to rent through Aeroflow Breastpumps is the Medela Symphony.
What is the difference between a hospital-grade breast pump & a standard double electric breast pump?
A hospital-grade breast pump is a rental multi-user pump with a stronger strength suction featuring a more powerful motor, special wavelength, and programming that allows mothers with certain medical necessities to get the maximum amount of breast milk production possible. Lactation consultants may recommend a hospital-grade pump to help increase milk supply.
A standard double electric breast pump is a personal use pump and is brand new for use by all breastfeeding mothers. These pumps can be as strong as a hospital-grade breast pump, but do not have the same wavelength or programming the industrial-strength pumps do. Most mothers successfully pump with a standard double electric breast pump for the entire duration of their breastfeeding journey.
What does hospital strength mean?
Hospital strength is a term used by breast pump manufacturers to convey stronger breast pump suction. It can apply to single-user electric breast pumps and there are no standards or regulations that define exactly what suction decibel a breast pump needs to have in order to be considered "hospital strength."
Does Aeroflow Breastpumps work with my insurance for a hospital-grade breast pump?
Aeroflow Breastpumps only works with select insurance providers for these pumps. Eligibility for the hospital-grade rental pump is dependent upon your specific insurance provider's contract with us.
Do I qualify for a hospital-grade breast pump through my insurance?
Most insurances do not cover the hospital-grade rental pump unless it's a medical necessity.
Wondering if you're eligible? Our hospital-grade breast pump specialists can give you more information and will reach out to your insurance company for the specific requirements you will have to meet in order to qualify. Give us a call at 844-867-9890 or email us at hospitalgrade@aeroflowbreastpumps.com.
If I qualify for a hospital-grade rental pump, what what will my insurance require?
If you have confirmed that your insurance plan does cover a hospital-grade breast pump rental, in order to move forward they will require medical documentation (or a special type of prescription) for your doctor. This prescription must contain all of the below to meet insurance requirements:
- Signature of mother's OBGYN and OBGYN's NPI.
- Mother's first & last name with DOB (date of birth).
- Procedure code E0604 or hospital-grade breast pump. Please note: E0603 is a standard personal-use breast pump, not a hospital-grade pump.
- Indication of medical necessity & ICD 10 diagnosis code to specify the mother's medical necessity (your doctor should know exactly what needs to be listed here). Z39.1 is not a medical necessity diagnosis through insurance.
Once you have received this necessary prescription, please give us a call back at 844-867-9890.
How long will my insurance allow me to rent a hospital-grade breast pump?
Every insurance plan is different. However, our hospital-grade breast pump representatives will inform you of how long you will be allowed to rent the pump.
Can I rent the Medela Symphony out of pocket?
Yes! If you do not currently have a medical necessity but would like to rent the hospital-grade Medela Symphony breast pump out of pocket, it is available for $75 a month with no minimum or maximum rental period.
You will also need to purchase the Medela Symphony Double Pumping Kit in order to use this pump. The kit includes flanges (also known as breast shields) and all of the other pump parts you will need for milk collection. You can ask also your insurance company if they would be willing to reimburse you for the cost of your rental.
Does my insurance cover the Medela Symphony as a purchase?
Unfortunately, there is no insurance company that covers the complete out-of-pocket cost of the $2,000 Medela Symphony pump. If your insurance company does cover you, it will only be for a rental.
Most insurance policies do cover the cost of a personal double electric breast pump, and all of the ones we carry come with a warranty through the manufacturer. We offer pumps with a lot of different features such as hands-free & wearable breast pumps, pumps with a rechargeable battery (these are great for portability for working moms), and even manual pumps for emergency pumping sessions or to use as a backup pump. You can apply for a breast pump through insurance at any point during your pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.
How can I get more information about hospital-grade breast pumps through insurance?
For more information, please contact our hospital-grade breast pump specialists at hospitalgrade@aeroflowbreastpumps.com or call us at 844-867-9890. If you feel a double electric breast pump will meet your pumping needs, please fill out our Qualify Through Insurance Form today!
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
