Fellow doulas, I need your help!

[Kristi Doss]

Attention doulas: I have a question. I was reading an article and someone was asking whether or not doulas can accept insurance. The response said that some insurance companies will reimburse the parents and the doula will be able to provide you with the forms necessary for you to fill out and turn in for insurance. I have never seen a form like this, and I don't want a potential client to ask me about it if I do not know. Do ANY of you know what forms they are talking about??

[pbjmama]

Yes! I'm a member of DONA (but chose not to certify through any organization) and they recently had an article about it. I can try to look it up later if you can't find it. I don't remember all the qualifications a doula had to meet but at a minimum I assume you have to be certified and have a tax id #...so I didn't read much because I wouldn't qualify.

[Kristi Doss]

I am certified, but not through DONA. I don't know about having a tax id #. I will look into it.

[motherhendoula]

You dont need a Tax ID number - some doulas have one - those who do, should use it.

you need your Soc Sec # and an NPI number :

Applying for NPI number

Applying for your own NPI number is simple and will only take you a few minutes online if you follow these instructions.

1. Log on to the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System website at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/StaticForward.do?forward=static.instructions
2. Read over the required information and follow the links for applying for an NPI number
3. Complete the online application
4. Wait a few minutes, and an email will come to you with your very own NPI number

taxonomy code is 374J00000X and is called Doula under the heading of Nursing Service Related Providers Type.

its important to tell your clients that you need to be PAID up front...and that they can take your invoice (with your soc sec# and NPI # on it...hours worked, etc...)  and they can ask their insurance companies for reimbursement.

Most ins companies wont reimburse the full amount - but around here many have received about 2/3 of the cost.  good luck!

[demetria]

Yes you can. The organization you are certifying through can assist you with the types of information you need.

I run Birth Arts International and many of our students do this.

[PDXDoula]

This article covers pretty much everything you need to know: http://childbirthtoday.blogspot.com/2010/08/unraveling-3rd-party-reimbursement-for.html. The only thing I would add to that is be sure that the itemized invoice you provide includes the client's name, address, date of birth, insurance identification# and group #'. The diagnosis code needs to be an ICD-9 code - this page has some coding info: http://www.icd9data.com/2012/Volume1/V01-V91/V20-V29/V22/default.htm, but V22.0 (normal first pregnancy) & V22.1 (supervision of other normal pregnancy) will be most common. 

[Babycare]

I am in training for the Postpartum Doula, Is there a form for this service also. thanks

[coconutbroccoli]

I am also wondering if there are codes for postpartum doulas?  

[motherhendoula]

For post partum doulas : 

NPI # 1801175542

Taxonomy Code:

374J00000X

ICD code:  ICD-V24.0

CPT code ;  59430

I use my soc sec #  because i never got a Tax ID #

i think the DONA website has more info on it as well - its a great idea if our clients can get reimbursed - i think they are that much more willing to spend the $ in the first place!

[mslisa2u]

Hello!

I am a mama who is appealing my insurance company to pay for my doula. I've gotten a letter back asking for a federal tax ID which she doesn't have. I am apprehensive to ask her for her SSN. Have you had any luck with just the NPI? If you provide a SSN, does that impact taxes? I'm not sure if my doula is claiming her doula work as income and I don't want to get into asking her personal questions.

Thank you!

Lisa
 

[motherhendoula]

Originally Posted by mslisa2u 

Hello!

I am a mama who is appealing my insurance company to pay for my doula. I've gotten a letter back asking for a federal tax ID which she doesn't have. I am apprehensive to ask her for her SSN. Have you had any luck with just the NPI? If you provide a SSN, does that impact taxes? I'm not sure if my doula is claiming her doula work as income and I don't want to get into asking her personal questions.

Thank you!

Lisa
 

If she doesnt have a Tax ID then yes, she needs to provide her SS #  - i know this is a sticky situation.... im sure there are TONS of doulas out there who just dont declare the income ...one thing to remember  is - just because she shared her SS number....doesnt mean there is ANYONE at the IRS waiting patiently for her to file her taxes so they can match up the income to the SS number....most doulas make SO MUCH LESS than any IRS radar to be tipped off!!!!!     The IRS has had cutbacks too and it behooves them to go after people /companies hiding thousands of dollars - not a doula who earned an extra $8000 last year and now owes $350 in taxes.....