MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
23-106 Recommend Doula Services to Pregnant and Postpartum Medi-Cal Members
Health Net·CA · OB-GYN, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Jan 1, 2023
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Health Net Medi-Cal now requires physicians and licensed practitioners to recommend doula services to eligible pregnant and postpartum members, effective January 1, 2023. Providers must use specific documentation methods for initial and second recommendations, with initial recommendations authorizing up to 8 visits plus labor/delivery support.
Action Required
Immediately: OB-GYN providers and staff must establish workflow to recommend doula services to all eligible Medi-Cal pregnant/postpartum members. Create standard forms or letter templates on office letterhead for member referrals. Train providers on documentation requirements for initial recommendations (member record notation, standing orders, or signed forms). Establish process for second recommendations when additional postpartum visits are needed (up to 9 visits, cannot use standing orders). Update EMR templates to include doula service recommendation tracking.