Doula Services
Provider Type
- Physicians
- Participating Physician Groups (PPG)
- Hospitals
- Ancillary
This section contains general information on doula services. Doula services are aimed at preventing perinatal complications and improving health outcomes for birthing parents and infants.
- Doulas are birth workers who provide health education, advocacy, and physical, emotional and nonmedical support for pregnant and postpartum persons before, during and after childbirth (perinatal period) including support during miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion.
- Doulas also offer various types of support, including health navigation; lactation support; development of a birth plan; and linkages to community-based resources.
- Doulas are not licensed, and they do not require supervision. Doulas do not diagnose medical conditions, provide medical advice, or clinical assessment, exam, or procedure.
Eligibility requirements
The member must be active and enrolled with Health Net.
- Doulas must verify eligibility for the month of service by contacting the Plan or looking the member up in the provider portal.
- The member must be pregnant or have been pregnant within the past 12 months and would benefit from doula services.
Covered Doula Services
Members can receive doula services virtually or in-person in any setting, such as home, office, hospital, or an alternative birthing center. All visits are limited to one per day, per member.
- One initial visit.
- Additional visits – up to eight given in any combination of prenatal and postpartum visits.
- Labor and delivery support – including labor and delivery resulting in miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion.
- Postpartum – up to two extended three-hour visits. These visits do not require the member to meet any criteria or receive a separate recommendation.
Assistive services during visits
Doulas can also give assistive or supportive services during an in-home prenatal or postpartum visit. This support provides face-to-face interaction while helping with emotional or educational support, such as folding laundry or drying dishes with the pregnant member. An assistive or supportive activity with the member cannot be billed to the member.
Coordinating services
Doulas should work with the member’s primary care physician (PCP) or contact the Health Net if the member needs additional support.
Non-covered doula services
The following are not covered under doula services:
- Belly binding (traditional/ceremonial)
- Birthing ceremonies (i.e., sealing, closing the bones, etc.)
- Group classes on babywearing
- Massage (maternal or infant)
- Photography
- Placenta encapsulation
- Shopping
- Vaginal steams
- Yoga