To get started with electronic claims processing, contact your software vendor or practice management vendor for more information. If you would like more information from Delta Dental on processing claims and special requirements, please feel free to view or print out the Electronic Claims Submission guide. You may also call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-328-1188 and request a paper copy.

To ensure electronic claims are processed accurately and efficiently:

1. Submit the correct subscriber ID number as printed on the ID card and the subscriber's date of birth. Delta Dental uses this information to ensure the claim is processed under the correct member.
2. For Medica, submit the 9-digit ID number printed on the dental ID card. Note: Some members may have a 16-digit ID number printed on their medical/dental ID cards. In this case, the first five (5) digits are the group number and the next nine (9) digits are the ID number to be used for dental claims.
3. For Public Programs, be sure to submit the patient's ID number, which is the state-issued Person Master Index (PMI) number, not the subscriber's SSN.
4. Review your response reports forwarded by your clearinghouse to determine if there are any errors on claims.
5. Secondary Coordination of Benefits (COB) claims should include the primary paid amount on the electronically submitted claim. If this amount is not listed on the claim, you will receive a follow-up letter requesting this information, which will in turn delay processing. Please note: We do not need a copy of the primary Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
6. To submit x-rays* or other claim related materials, two options allow faster claim resolution.  The best option is to use National Electronic Attachment, Inc. (NEA). The second option is Web submission via this Web site; Sign In to our dentist application. Other submission methods are email, fax or mail. When not using NEA to submit attachments or x-rays*, a Claim Attachment Cover Sheet must be used in order to match the attachments to the electronic claim. 
   
   * X-rays are rarely required; before sending, check your Dental Office Administrative Manual. 
   

835/Electronic Remittance Advice

The 835/Electronic Remittance Advice is an electronic version of the provider Explanation of Benefits (EOB). This will be sent to you by the same clearinghouse that you submit your electronic claims to.

Check with your software vendor to see how this will be loaded into your Practice Management System.  Some software vendors have the capability of automatically posting this data directly into your accounts receivables. Others may only provide a display image that can be printed and would need to be manually entered. You will also need to check with your clearinghouse and software vendor to determine what, if any, cost there may be for you. Delta Dental of Minnesota does not charge a fee for the 835/ERA.

If you are a Minnesota provider, you must comply with the MN Statute 62J requiring all provider EOBs be electronic. If you need duplicate EOBs, you can obtain a copy by going to the Claims Inquiry application on this Web site. You can also contact Customer Service at 1-800-328-1188. 

In most areas, the 835/ERA supplies additional information (from what was on the paper version) which aids in the automatic posting process. However, the processing policies are more general than what is currently on the paper EOB. If you have trouble interpreting the processing policies, you can refer to the member’s ID card for information to contact Customer Service or a reference to a Web site for access to view the claim online.

Please note:  For providers based in Minnesota, if you would like to discontinue the paper EOBs, please send your request in writing to Delta Dental of Minnesota, Attn: Professional Services, PO Box 9304, Minneapolis, MN 55440.

Adobe documents can only be viewed by using Acrobat® Reader® software, which can be downloaded free of charge from www.adobe.com.