Getting credentialed with the right insurance companies is essential for doctors in California to expand their patient base and ensure financial stability.
Given California’s diverse and competitive healthcare market, choosing the right insurers can significantly impact your practice’s success. This blog highlights some of the most amazing insurance options for doctors to consider, focusing on network size, reimbursement potential, and ease of credentialing.
Based on research, the following insurance companies stand out for doctors in California:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of California: Known for its extensive network and competitive reimbursement rates.
- Kaiser Permanente: A leading integrated health system with a large physician network, offering seamless care delivery and high patient loyalty.
- Aetna: Offers a streamlined credentialing process and access to a wide patient base through diverse plans.
- Anthem Blue Cross: Part of Elevance Health, it has a large network and is known for being physician-friendly with competitive rates.
These companies are among the largest in California, suggesting they are likely to offer robust opportunities for doctors. However, specific reimbursement rates and contract terms should be reviewed individually.
Top Insurance Companies for Credentialing
Based on the research, the following insurance companies are recommended for doctors seeking credentialing in California, listed with detailed insights:
Supporting URL: Anthem Blue Cross Covered California
Blue Cross Blue Shield of California (BCBS)
Overview: BCBS is one of the largest health insurers in California, with a network of over 70,000 physicians and specialists. It is part of the national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, known for its extensive reach and physician-friendly policies.
Reimbursement Rates: BCBS uses the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) methodology as a guide for establishing physician allowances, considering clinician input and industry resources. It offers Tier A and Tier B rates, with Tier B providing higher rates for facility-based services. While specific rates are not publicly disclosed, it is noted for competitive reimbursement, often above Medicare rates (private insurers typically pay 143% of Medicare rates, with a range of 118% to 179% per KFF studies).
Network and Coverage: Extensive coverage across California, ensuring a large patient base for credentialed physicians.
Credentialing Process: Offers transparent fee schedules and resources for providers, though the process can be detailed. Physician Practice Specialists, a credentialing service, lists BCBS as a major payer they work with, indicating its prominence.
Reputation: Known for timely payments and fair compensation, making it a top choice for physicians.
Supporting URL: Blue Shield of California Provider Fee Schedule
Kaiser Permanente
Overview: Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated health system in California, offering both health insurance and direct patient care through its own network of over 22,000 physicians. It is known for high-quality care and patient satisfaction.
Reimbursement Rates: As an integrated system, Kaiser’s reimbursement structure is unique, primarily employing its own physicians. For independent providers, it offers competitive rates, though specific details are not publicly available. Research suggests it pays high rates for mental health providers, and its integrated model may offer streamlined billing for physicians.
Network and Coverage: Extensive coverage, particularly in urban areas, with a focus on Northern and Southern California. Its patient loyalty ensures a steady flow for credentialed providers.
Credentialing Process: Can be complex for non-Kaiser physicians, as it primarily employs its own staff. However, for independent providers, it remains a valuable network to join, with resources available for credentialing.
Reputation: Highly regarded for quality care and physician support, though some note billing challenges (e.g., hard to bill for mental health providers per therathink.com).
Supporting URL: Kaiser Permanente Provider Information
Aetna
Overview: Aetna, a national insurer, has a strong presence in California with over 1.2 million healthcare professionals in its network. It offers a variety of plans, including PPOs and HMOs, catering to diverse patient needs.
Reimbursement Rates: Known for competitive reimbursement rates, often above average for mental health providers per therathink.com, and recommended for credentialing. Specific rates vary by plan and negotiation, but it is noted for fair compensation.
Network and Coverage: Extensive network, ensuring access to a large patient base. It is listed as a top insurer by healthforcalifornia.com for Covered California plans.
Credentialing Process: Offers a streamlined process with clear guidelines, making it physician-friendly. Resources are available for providers to join the network.
Reputation: Well-regarded for timely payments and ease of credentialing, making it a solid choice for expanding practice reach.
Supporting URL: Aetna Health Insurance Information
Anthem Blue Cross (Now Elevance Health)
Overview: Anthem Blue Cross, now part of Elevance Health, is a major insurer in California, offering PPOs and HMOs through Covered California and other plans. It has a large network and is known for physician-friendly policies.
Reimbursement Rates: While specific rates are not disclosed, it is noted for competitive reimbursement, often above average, and is listed among top insurers by MoneyGeek for 2025. Research suggests it pays above-average rates for mental health providers per therathink.com.
Network and Coverage: Extensive coverage, particularly in Northern California, with thousands of providers in its network.
Credentialing Process: Offers user-friendly documentation and resources, making it accessible for physicians. It is listed by healthforcalifornia.com as a key insurer for Covered California plans.
Reputation: Known for large networks and fair reimbursement, though contract terms should be reviewed.
Supporting URL: Anthem Blue Cross Covered California
For doctors in California, credentialing with Blue Cross Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, Aetna, and Anthem Blue Cross offers significant advantages due to their large networks, competitive reimbursement rates, and physician-friendly policies. These insurers are among the most amazing options based on current research, though individual contract terms and negotiation are crucial. Additional options like Cigna, Health Net, and UnitedHealthcare provide further opportunities, ensuring doctors can build a robust practice. By leveraging credentialing services and staying informed, physicians can navigate this process effectively, enhancing patient access and financial stability.
