The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recently announced that its new Medi-Cal provider enrollment system is expected to go live this summer. The new system, called the Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment (PAVE), will transform provider enrollment from a manual paper-based process to a web-based portal that providers can use to complete and submit their applications and verifications and to report changes.

The new system should significantly improve the provider enrollment experience by minimizing errors in the application process and significantly reducing the time required to process provider enrollments.

PAVE will also permit online payment of fees, if applicable; allow providers to check application status online; and use electronic signatures for all provider types. PAVE will include checklists of required attachments that will let the provider know that a complete application has been prepared and will ensure that the provider has provided responses to all required questions before the application can be submitted. PAVE will allow providers to attach required supporting documentation electronically and verify that attachments are complete prior to submission.

Initially, PAVE will only be available for providers that currently enroll to serve fee-for-service beneficiaries directly through the DHCS Provider Enrollment Division. However, DHCS plans to expand access to Medi-Cal providers who enroll through other divisions and departments until all Medi-Cal enrollment activities are directed through the PAVE system.

PAVE will also allow providers to quickly revalidate their information in accordance with the Affordable Care Act.

The portal will also be accessible on mobile devices. PAVE will eventually replace the paper application process, although paper applications will still be accepted for some undetermined transition period.

The California Medical Association (CMA) has been involved in stakeholder meetings and beta testing of the new system over the past two years. Recent demos of the system seem very promising, with a much more intuitive interface and streamlined process.

DHCS is currently fine-tuning the system before its summer release. Additional details and instructions will be released closer to the launch date.

For more information, visit www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Pages/PAVE.aspx.

Contact: CMA reimbursement help line, (888) 501-4911 or economicservices@cmadocs.org.