Joanne Gomez BSN, RN, CD, CCE, CLE Birth & Postpartum Doula in Los Angeles, CA

I want to share my experience because I think it’s important for other families to understand not only the care they may receive, but also how insurance and payment arrangements are handled. Before hiring Joanne, I specifically asked about TRICARE. I was told that she accepted TRICARE and that I would be provided with a superbill so I could submit the claim for reimbursement. Based on that information, I felt comfortable moving forward and paid out of pocket for six postpartum doula visits. Unfortunately, when I submitted the claims, TRICARE denied them. The Explanation of Benefits stated that the provider needed to have the appropriate labor doula specialty and a participation agreement on file. When I contacted TRICARE to understand the denial, I was told that the provider needed to have the required participation agreement and that the provider was responsible for submitting the claims. This was very different from what I understood before hiring Joanne. I had relied on the information I was given when deciding to proceed and pay for the services. Had I known there might be an issue with her TRICARE status, participation agreement, or claim-submission process, I would have asked additional questions and clarified everything before paying. I reached out to Joanne to explain what TRICARE had told me and to ask for clarification and assistance resolving the issue. I followed up by text and email, but I have not received a response. At this point, I have paid for the services and have been left trying to resolve the insurance issue on my own, without the clarification or assistance I requested. I want to be clear that my concern is not simply that an insurance claim was denied. Insurance coverage can be complicated, and I understand that reimbursement is not always guaranteed. My concern is that I specifically asked about TRICARE before hiring, made my decision based on the information provided, and then was unable to get a response when the billing issue came up. She has not been helpful or responsive to this matter and has been curt and rude in earlier response and has ghosted me now that I am trying to resolve this. I recommend that anyone considering hiring Joanne get clear, written confirmation before beginning services about whether she is currently eligible to provide covered services under their specific TRICARE plan, whether the required participation agreement is on file, who is responsible for submitting claims, and what happens if a claim is denied. I would also recommend confirming all payment and reimbursement expectations in writing. I’m sharing this so other families can make an informed decision and avoid finding themselves in a similar situation.

— Malia H.

Hiring an overnight doula from Peaceful Passages was one of the best decisions I made for my postpartum recovery. Not only did my doula lovingly care for me and my newborn, she went above and beyond—prepping nourishing meals, providing breastfeeding support, organizing the baby’s nursery, and even helping with my twin toddlers so I could rest. Her calm, professional presence made my healing after a c-section so much easier. I was especially impressed by how seamless everything was—she was professionally dressed, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable. On top of that, Peaceful Passages accepted my Carrot insurance and handled all the billing with ease, which lifted such a burden off my shoulders. This service was truly a lifesaver for me and my family. I felt cared for, supported, and able to focus on bonding with my baby. I can’t recommend their overnight doula services enough!

— Bri L.

I am so thankful for the lactation support I received from Peaceful Passages. As a first-time mom, breastfeeding was more challenging than I ever imagined, and I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. Joanne and her team stepped in with patience, compassion, and expert guidance that completely changed my experience. They took the time to understand my concerns, showed me practical techniques, and encouraged me every step of the way. With their help, my baby and I were finally able to establish a successful feeding routine—and I gained the confidence I desperately needed. What stood out most was how supportive and non-judgmental the care was. Instead of pressure, I felt empowered, heard, and reassured. Peaceful Passages turned what could have been a stressful journey into one filled with confidence and connection. I truly couldn’t have done it without them!

— Lauren D.