Primer in Upload File structure
Before we get into how to fix the data in your HIPPA compliant upload file, a little information may help you better understand how to fix the data entry errors.

The newest HIPPA file format, 4010A1, is organized into Loops and each loop has multiple information blocks called "Segments". Each segment has multiple "elements". If we call your full name a "segment" then each part of your name, first, middle and last, would be an element. This is not that hard to grasp, is it!

In the HIPPA file format, the 2310A Loop sends information on the "Referring Provider". A correct data string for this segment looks like this...


The * character separates the elements of the segment. The ~ character is used to separate each segment, kind of like how a carriage return separates paragraphs when typing. What is nice about this format, is that each segment uses the same identifiers to tell you what is about to be sent in that segment. Here REF means that a reference is about to be sent, and the 1B identifier says that the provider's Blue Shield number is being sent next. 1C is for Medicare and G2 is for commercial insurance provider numbers.

When PracticeMaker creates a file, it temporarily stores each segment used to create the upload file in the ECS Creator file. The records are kept there until you create your next file.


Fixing Upload File errors
There is SO much data that must be sent correctly in order for an upload file to be accepted. The following table lists many errors of missing or improperly formatted data.

Loop	Segment	Element	How to fix it!
2010AA	NM1	08	You are missing the Tax ID Type for an office doctor. Go to the PhoneBook on the Provider Numbers screen and make sure EACH Office Doctor has data in BOTH the Tax ID and Tax ID Type fields!
2010AA	REF	02	If you are a GROUP practice you have not entered the Group ID in the For Group field located in the Insurance Module Record for that carrier in the Provider Numbers Links and Notes section.
2310A	Ref
2310B	Ref

Keep in mind that this table is work on progress. As more errors appear there will be updates to the manual on the website. These updates will replace the electronic chapters that contain the text you are now reading.