Doulas provide person-centered, culturally competent care that supports the racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity of Members while adhering to evidence-based best practices. 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 non-medical support for pregnant and postpartum persons before, during, and after childbirth, including support during miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortion.
Coverage
Medi-Cal covers doula services as preventive services pursuant to Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 440.130(c) and must be recommended by a physician or other licensed practitioner of the healing arts within their scope of practice under state law. The state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) issued a statewide standing recommendation that all Medi-Cal members who are pregnant or were pregnant within the past year would benefit from receiving doula services from a Medi-Cal enrolled doula provider.
Recommending members for Doula services
To recommend a member for Doula services, please refer to the following information:
- GCHP Doula Services Recommendation Form (English) and (Spanish)
- DHCS Standing Recommendation for Doula Services
Doula provider application
The Doula Provider Certification Application reflects the requirements and expectations set forth by DHCS and Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) to serve as a provider for GCHP members.
Please have an authorized representative complete the Doula Provider Certification Application and submit it to ProviderContracting@goldchp.org with the subject line, “Doula Provider Application.” Once you submit your application, the GCHP Contracting Team will review it and respond within 90 business days.
- GCHP Doula Provider Certification Application - English
- GCHP Doula Provider Certification Application - Spanish