Medi-Cal
Credentialing and enrollment guides for Medi-Cal across 1 states.
Quick Overview
Timeline
60 - 90 days
CAQH
Not Required
Re-credentialing
Every 5 year(s)
States Available
1
About Medi-Cal
Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) — Medi-Cal
How to Get Credentialed
Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary credentials including your medical license, DEA certificate, malpractice insurance, NPI number, and board certifications.
Prepare Your Application
Complete Medi-Cal's provider enrollment application with all required information and supporting documentation.
Submit Your Application
Submit your completed enrollment package to Medi-Cal. Select your state below for state-specific submission details.
Track & Follow Up
Credentialing typically takes 60-90 days. Monitor your application and respond promptly to requests for additional information.
Free Consultation
Need help enrolling with Medi-Cal?
Our specialists handle the entire Medi-Cal enrollment process: applications, follow-ups, and approvals across all 50 states.
Required Documents
Background Check
CV/Resume
FINGERPRINT_CLEARANCE
Required for high-risk provider types
Malpractice Insurance
Required in most states; some state programs waive for government employees
Medical License
NPI Certificate
Enrollment Forms
Medi-Cal PAVE Enrollment
Contact Information
Provider Credentialing
(916) 323-1945
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Provider Services
(916) 323-1945
Claims & Billing
(916) 323-1945
Quick Links
Available States
Reviewed by the PayerReady Credentialing Team
Our credentialing specialists verify every article against current CMS regulations, NCQA standards, and payer-specific enrollment requirements. See our editorial process.
Select Your State
Choose your state for Medi-Cal-specific credentialing details including timelines, contacts, and local requirements.
Medi-Cal credentialing requirements by state
Medi-Cal enrollment is not identical everywhere. The table below lists what actually differs across the 1 state Medi-Cal operates in — network status, local plan names, portals and the state-specific conditions our credentialing team has recorded.
| State | Network | Timeline | State-specific notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Open | 60–90 days | California Medicaid (Medi-Cal) enrollment steps: (1) Obtain NPI via NPPES. (2) Submit application through PAVE (Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment), the DHCS online enrollment system. (3) Complete fingerprint Live Scan background check at an authorized location, required for initial enrollment. (4) Receive Medi-Cal provider number upon approval. Managed care is mandatory in most California counties, requiring separate credentialing with Medi-Cal managed care plans. Behavioral health providers accepted include LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, and Licensed Psychologist with active CA licensure; specialty mental health services are administered through county Mental Health Plans (MHPs). Revalidation is required every 5 years. |
Compiled and maintained by the PayerReady credentialing team from payer portals and direct payer contact. Last verified March 22, 2026. Network status changes without notice — confirm before you file.
Common questions about Medi-Cal credentialing
How long does Medi-Cal credentialing take?
Medi-Cal credentialing typically takes 60–90 days from a complete submission to an approved effective date. Incomplete applications are the main cause of delay: a missing document or an unattested CAQH profile restarts the clock rather than pausing it.
Does Medi-Cal require CAQH?
No. Medi-Cal does not enroll through CAQH ProView, so credentialing data is submitted directly on Medi-Cal's own application instead. You still need the same underlying documents — license, DEA where applicable, malpractice coverage and work history.
Which states does Medi-Cal operate in?
Medi-Cal has credentialing operations in 1 state. 1 of those 1 currently show an open panel. Requirements are not uniform: local plan names, provider portals and state-specific conditions differ, which is what the state-by-state table above records.