Child Health
Child Health
Children’s health is one of the principal concerns not only in our region but around the world. As a community we can make great strides to ensure better health for our children and provide families with the support and information they need to make informed decisions.
Since a child’s mental and physical growth and development is directly linked to their health, children’s wellness should start as soon as possible. We can’t say enough about the importance of providing children with a very solid foundation early on which they can build upon for the rest of their lives.
The information contained in this section of the website is related to the Department’s California Children’s Services (CCS) and the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program.
California Children Services (CCS)
California Children Services (CCS) is a statewide program that provides funding for treatment of children with certain physical limitations and chronic health conditions or diseases. CCS also authorizes and pays for specific medical services and equipment provided by CCS approved specialists.
CMS Provider Electronic Data Interchange (PEDI) is a web-based tool that enables approved CCS providers and Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans to electronically submit Service Authorization Requests (eSARs) and access the status of Requests for Services/Authorizations. Providers who are approved Trading Partners may visit:
All requests for CCS diagnostic and treatment services must be submitted using a Service Authorization Request (SAR) form except Orthodontic and Dental services (All necessary authorizations will be Denti-Cal’s responsibility). Only active Medi-Cal Providers may receive authorization to provide CCS program services. Services may be authorized for varying lengths of time during the CCS client’s eligibility period.
Families must:
- complete the English CCS Application or Spanish CCS Application and return it to your county CCS office
- give CCS all of the information requested so CCS can determine if your family qualifies
- apply to Medi-Cal if CCS asks you to.
- Providers must request CCS services using a SAR form. The completed form should be faxed to the Imperial County CCS office at (442) 265-1481.
- Providers are required to submit documentation to substantiate medical necessity at the time the SAR is submitted. Send the completed SAR form with supporting documentation to the appropriate CCS county or Regional Office via fax or mail. Examples of required supporting documentations include prescriptions, clinic visit reports, physical therapy evaluation reports, etc. A SAR without supporting documentation will be deferred back to the provider for additional information.
- Each SAR submitted to CCS is reviewed for medical necessity.
- If the SAR is approved, a copy of the authorization letter will be sent to the provider and the family via fax or mail.
- If the SAR is denied, a copy of the Notice of Action (NOA) or denial letter with the reason for denial of service will be sent to the client, parent or legal guardian with a courtesy copy to the provider via mail.
- If the SAR is incomplete and lacks supporting documentation to substantiate medical necessity, CCS will request the provider to submit additional information. There will be no further action on the SAR until CCS receives requested information.
All requests for CCS diagnostic and treatment services must be submitted using a Service Authorization Request (SAR) form except Orthodontic and Dental services (All necessary authorizations will be Denti-Cal’s responsibility). Only active Medi-Cal Providers may receive authorization to provide CCS program services. Services may be authorized for varying lengths of time during the CCS client’s eligibility period.