business questions

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Hi ,I just started figuring this all out for myself too! Do you have this book: The Lactation Consultant in Private Practice: The ABCs of Getting Started? I find it is very comprehensive, easy to read and covers just about all the questions (and more) that a new LC in PP might need to know.First of all, I believe you definitely should register your business with the state and receive an EIN for tax purposes, even if you don't plan to try for insurance reimbursement (unless you are working "under the table"). I'm thinking that even if you don't submit claims as a provider, it is possible that a client may want to and may ask you for your NPI. I'm sure that doesn't happen a lot but getting an NPI is free and easy and literally only takes minutes to hear back with your number, so why not? They now have NPI registration specifically for non-RN LCs and even doulas too! It is possible to register for more than one NPI code if you wear different hats but most practitioners just use one, to my best knowledge.I have not yet obtained or created a "Superbill" for my clients. I do have a prior authorization letter and I also have a simpler insurance reimbursement form where I can place the ICD-9 codes. So far, I've only made one -- but I'm new to this too. Even though I was accredited in 2009, I am just now really starting to get "serious" about my practice. ;)There are LCs who sell packages of business forms in easy to use templates that you can adapt on your own as long as you give them a copyright credit at the bottom of the forms. For example, Liz has a CD of HIPAA forms that is really easy to use. Liz is on this list, I believe and will be at the LC in PP workshop coming up. Her email is: liz.brooks@.... Also, I just came across a website by an LC, Pat Lindsey. I haven't purchased her package but you can check it out here: http://patlc.com/LVR/I personally choose to use a separate mailing address just for the purposes of privacy/safety when prospective clients search for IBCLCs in ILCA's FaLC directory. Since I don't see clients in a home office setting, they do not need my home address. ILCA allows you to choose a visible address for clients in the FaLC directory and a separate (usually home) address to receive your journals and so on. Its really a personal choice. My mailing address is not a PO Box, it has a street address and suite, and for me, that works fine.On a side note... I have a few great FREE breastfeeding apps for my mobile/smartphone. I have the Massachussets BF'ing Coalition's app, Hale's breastfeeding & medications app, and the LactMed app. I don't have an iPad/tablet, just an Android phone. I wanted to add that I use a simple beta midwifery client app where I can list my current clients' date of birth for their child/ren and a few quick notes. Its free and helps me when on the go. You can just do a keyword search in the Google Android or iPad marketplaces and find them easily.I apologize if most of these questions have been answered for you already. I receive these posts as daily digests and reply when I'm able. Its possible that someone has already posted all of this information already. If so, I apologize for any repetition. Just wanted to share my two-cents. ;)Hope this helps,Chris(tine) in NJ*************************************************************************-Wollerton, CD(DONA), PCD(DONA), IBCLC, RLCwww.Mama-Nurture-Lactation.com