Documentation
Medicaid doula documentation requirements
Use this page to understand what visit notes usually need before you prepare a Medicaid doula claim packet.
Start here
Short answer
Use this page to understand what visit notes usually need before you prepare a Medicaid doula claim packet.
Next step
What to keep with each visit
Use this as a calm starting point, then open the state checklist for the exact rule.
Client state
Start with the state where the client is covered. Each state can ask for different forms, notes, visit counts, or signatures.
Service date
Write down the date of the visit or service. This should match the claim packet and your private records.
Visit type
Note whether the support was prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum, or another covered doula service in that state.
Time and length
Keep start time, end time, or total time when the state or payer asks for it.
Support provided
Use simple notes about the support you gave, resources shared, referrals made, or education covered.
Required proof
Keep required forms, recommendations, signatures, prior approval notes, or delivery proof with the private record.
Choose your state checklist
State rules can change. Use the state checklist and payer instructions before using notes for a real claim.
Arizona
Hold ADHS doula certification and register with AHCCCS via APEP with a separate NPI.
California
Keep the DHCS standing recommendation or a written recommendation in the member record before billing.
Colorado
Bill T1032 in 15-minute units for prenatal and postpartum direct member contact.
Connecticut
Retain a handwritten or electronic recommendation, referral, or order from a licensed and enrolled CMAP/HUSKY Health practitioner.
District of Columbia
Confirm the beneficiary is eligible for DC Medicaid, Alliance, or Immigrant Children's Program coverage and keep the DC Medicaid beneficiary ID on the private client record.
Illinois
Become an Illinois Medicaid-Certified Doula (SIU) and enroll via IMPACT with taxonomy 374J00000X; bill FFS or HealthChoice Illinois MCOs.
Louisiana
Verify Louisiana Medicaid eligibility and the correct FFS or Healthy Louisiana MCO submission path before billing.
Maryland
Enroll in ePREP as provider type "DL" (individual Type 1 NPI or group Type 2 NPI); maintain Maryland-approved certification, background check, and liability insurance.
Massachusetts
Enroll as a MassHealth doula provider; bill FFS during the carve-out and per MCO/ACO contracts otherwise.
Michigan
Submit fee-for-service claims in CHAMPS and follow Medicaid Health Plan billing instructions for managed-care members.
Minnesota
Document the member's name, visit date, length of time, what was done, discussed, and recommended, important concerns or follow-up advice, and the doula signature.
Missouri
MO HealthNet doula services require a physician or other licensed practitioner recommendation.
Nevada
Bill Provider Type 90 doula services with modifier U1.
New Jersey
All NJ FamilyCare doulas must enroll as fee-for-service providers and be able to serve fee-for-service members before MCO contracting.
New Mexico
Do not create claim-ready packets for New Mexico until the HCA fee schedule or equivalent official payer rate source is verified.
New York
Confirm the member is covered by New York Medicaid FFS or the correct Medicaid Managed Care plan for the date of service.
Oregon
Track whether the global package is complete before billing the global line.
Pennsylvania
Enroll as a certified perinatal doula in MA (provider type 13, specialty 130); bill via PROMISe or MA MCOs.
Rhode Island
Bill only visits of 60 minutes or more; document the date, time/duration, and nature of each visit.
Virginia
Retain the licensed-practitioner recommendation for doula care before services begin; the recommendation is not a prior authorization.
Washington
Document the date, duration, nature of care, coordination with medical or community resources, and referrals.
Before a claim packet
Documentation is one part of the bigger billing picture.
Common questions
What notes do doulas need for Medicaid billing?
Start with the client state, service date, visit type, time or length, support provided, and any required forms or signatures. The exact list depends on the state and payer instructions.
Can I put real visit notes into public tools?
No. Public tools are for learning and general checks. Keep client names, Medicaid IDs, dates of birth, and real visit notes in private records.
Does good documentation guarantee payment?
No. Good documentation can help with claim review, but the payer still decides based on eligibility, covered services, timing, policy, and claim details.