Gain the paperless advantage: Sign up for our electronic tools
Sign up to receive the Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) and Electronic Payment Summary (EPS) and enjoy increased efficiency, accuracy, and security of your account reconciliation processes. Remember, even though you may not be submitting electronic claims yet, you can still enroll in ERA and EPS.

ERA
The ERA is a HIPAA-compliant electronic file that explains claim payment and remittance information. You or your designated billing service or clearinghouse will receive the ERA the day after claim finalization. The information can then be automatically posted to your patient accounting system. (Confirm with your software vendor, billing service, or clearinghouse that the appropriate ERA-compatible software is in place.)

After enrollment, you will receive your ERA file based on your payment cycle. The enrollment process establishes an electronic mailbox where Availity® will place ERAs received from all payers such as BCBSNM. Your ERA will be delivered to an electronic mailbox on Availity’s Web portal. You or your billing agent will use an assigned ERA Receiver ID to retrieve your ERA, along with your EPS.

Complete the ERA Enrollment Form and fax or mail it to Availity as indicated on the form. Once you enroll for ERA, you are automatically enrolled for the EPS.

EPS
The EPS is an electronic print image of the Provider Claim Summary (PCS). It provides the same payment information as a paper PCS. You’ll receive the EPS in your office the same day your ERA is delivered, the day after claim finalization. You can archive the information electronically rather than maintain paper files.
 
Once you are enrolled in ERA and EPS, you will continue to receive your paper PCS for 30 days after you start receiving your ERA and EPS files. This 30-day transition period will help your office gradually switch from paper to electronic processing. When the transition period ends, the PCS will be discontinued and you will receive only the ERA/EPS.

Not yet enrolled for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)?
Eliminate the risk of lost or stolen checks. Sign up for EFT and have your claims payments transferred electronically to the financial institution and account of your choice.

Need more information?
You may find the answers to your questions in our FAQ document. You may also call our Electronic Commerce Center at 800-746-4614 for assistance.

Availity is a registered trademark of Availity, L.L.C. Availity is an independent third party vendor.

BCBSNM makes no endorsements, representations, or warranties about any products or services offered by independent third-party vendors mentioned in this newsletter. The vendors are solely responsible for the products or services offered by them. If you have any questions about the products or services mentioned in this newsletter, contact the vendor directly.

Issue 12, 2009 • Blue Review • www.bcbsnm.com