Electronic claims submission (ECS) overview

Click on the links below for more information about electronic claims submission.

Five reasons to start submitting electronic claims today
How to get started
Frequently asked questions
Important ECS numbers
What dental offices are saying about ECS
Electronic claims seminars
Electronic claims submission tips

Electronic claims specialists, who are available to answer questions and help you get started with electronic claims submission, can be reached at 888-Delta90 (888-335-8290). You can also send e-mail to ECS@delta.org. If you are interested in sending claims to Denti-Cal, contact Denti-Cal's EDI Support Group at (916) 853-7373.

Five reasons to start submitting electronic claims today

1. Make billing simpler

Electronic claims submission streamlines billing. Claims are sent to a clearinghouse with the press of a button, and the clearinghouse takes care of sorting and sending claims to carriers. You no longer need to print, copy, sort and mail claims. (Of course, if you ever need a copy of a claim, you can either view it online or print out a copy.)

2. Minimize cash flow disruptions

Electronic claims can be processed faster, which means quicker payment.

3. Receive fewer claim rejections

Because the clearinghouse edits claims before sending them on to carriers, any claims with missing or invalid information are returned to you within a day or two -- instead of up to two weeks for paper claims.

4. Control paper flow

Electronic claims submission reduces your office's paperwork burden and frees up staff time to handle other important tasks, such as coordinating treatment plans, collecting payments and scheduling recall appointments.

5. Maximize your computer's capability

Get your money's worth from your office computer by submitting electronic claims. Many practice management systems have an electronic claims component included or available at minimal cost. If you are considering computerizing, ask for a software package that includes electronic claim submission capability.

Schedule of electronic claims submission seminars.

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Simply contact your practice management system representative. He or she will provide all the necessary instruction for submitting electronically.

There are no special enrollment needs, except that you must be a participating member.

Schedule of electronic claims submission seminars.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if Delta Dental received my claim?

Delta Dental indicates to the clearinghouse and/or vendor the acceptance of the electronic transmission. If any claims are rejected, a message is sent to the clearinghouse/vendor immediately. The clearinghouse/vendor will pass along this information to you in a report.

How will I know if I need to send any further information?

You will receive a request for additional information either electronically or through the mail. Most requests will be sent to you in a report you receive electronically.

Do I receive faster payment on electronic claims?

Yes. If all necessary documentation is submitted and the claim form is completed properly, you will receive your payment more quickly by submitting your claim electronically.

Why should I send a claim electronically if I know it needs an x-ray?

You may be able to send the x-ray as an electronic attachment in some of our states. Nonetheless, most dental practices feel that the efficiency of having the clearinghouse/vendor sort all of their claims outweighs any possible delay that might be experienced by having to send additional documentation. Delta Dental tries to keep any delay to a minimum by issuing a request for x-rays immediately after the claim's receipt. You'll find that electronic claims with x-rays take the same or less time to process as paper claims with x-rays.

How do I indicate a prime payment if Delta Dental is secondary?

When submitting a dual coverage claim with an outside prime carrier, the prime payment amount should be entered into the COB prime payment field. The comments/remarks field may be used for any additional information you would like us to know, such as change in dual coverage, as well as student status, documentation for certain procedures or miscellaneous procedures. Note: check with your software vendor to determine character limitations specific to your system.