Credentialing by payer
Join the Blue Shield of California Network
Enrollments are billed 50% at the start and 50% at submission; everything else 100% at the start.
- Flat PricesNo percentage of collections
- Half Now, Half at SubmissionFor every enrollment application
- Closed Network?Your choice of a refund or a credit
- Live Status TrackingCheck any application by reference number
Blue Shield of California at a Glance
| Service area | California. Anthem holds the Blue Cross license in California; Blue Shield of California holds the Blue Shield license. |
|---|---|
| How to request to join | Two documents by email: a Letter of Intent and a Record Application (Individual Practitioner, or Provider Group/Facility), sent to BSCPrvdrrInformationEnrollment@blueshieldca.com and dated no more than 30 days before submission. Start here |
| Portal | Provider Connection, for roster changes and account management once contracted. |
| CAQH ProView (DataSpring) | Accepted. Blue Shield asks practitioners to complete and re-attest the CAQH (DataSpring) application or complete every field of the California Participating Practitioner Application (CPPA). |
| Behavioral health | A separate behavioral health network application that covers Commercial, Medicare and Medi-Cal. |
| Published turnaround | Up to 120 days for the application review. If approved, Blue Shield contacts you to start credentialing and contracting. |
| Recredentialing | Every three years. The recredentialing application is due within 30 days of the notice, and missing it leads to termination. |
| Lines of business | Commercial direct contracts; Blue Shield Promise for Medi-Cal in Los Angeles and San Diego counties only, through its own application; behavioral health across Commercial, Medicare and Medi-Cal. |
How Blue Shield of California Takes Applications
Blue Shield screens before it credentials. The Letter of Intent and Record Application go in first and are reviewed for up to 120 days; only an approved request moves on to credentialing and contracting. Before contracting, individuals need an active California license, a Type 1 NPI and a W-9, and groups need a Type 2 NPI, a W-9 and, if incorporated, Articles of Incorporation from the California Secretary of State.
What to Watch With Blue Shield of California
Credentialing approval is not participation. Services before the effective date Blue Shield assigns are processed as out-of-network. Credentialing status questions go to BSCCredentialingInquiry@blueshieldca.com, and Provider Information and Enrollment is at (800) 258-3091.
Whatever the plan, the file moves only when your CAQH (DataSpring) profile, license record and application agree. See how long credentialing takes and our CAQH profile setup service.
Questions About Blue Shield of California
How do I apply to Blue Shield of California?
Two documents by email: a Letter of Intent and a Record Application (Individual Practitioner, or Provider Group/Facility), sent to BSCPrvdrrInformationEnrollment@blueshieldca.com and dated no more than 30 days before submission.
How long does Blue Shield of California credentialing take?
Up to 120 days for the application review. If approved, Blue Shield contacts you to start credentialing and contracting. Recredentialing: Every three years. The recredentialing application is due within 30 days of the notice, and missing it leads to termination.
Does Blue Shield of California use CAQH (DataSpring)?
Accepted. Blue Shield asks practitioners to complete and re-attest the CAQH (DataSpring) application or complete every field of the California Participating Practitioner Application (CPPA).
How do therapists join Blue Shield of California?
A separate behavioral health network application that covers Commercial, Medicare and Medi-Cal.
What does PECS charge for a Blue Shield of California application?
$200 per application per provider, half at engagement and half at submission, including follow-up with Blue Shield of California until the effective date is set.
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Answers cover PECS services, prices and process. For legal, tax or clinical questions please consult a professional.
Sources
- Blue Shield of California: Join the provider network
- Blue Shield of California: Network participation and recredentialing
Facts checked against the sources above in October 2026; plan procedures change.