Questions about "edit Insurance Plan" window

[Pruce Dental]

In the window "edit insurance plan" up at the top in the green area...can somebody explain what the "pending" checkbox is used for?

also the "optional patient id" on this same screen...why is this used?..does it override the other id's on paper and electronic claims?....if a patient's insurance does not use the the SS# then you would just change the subscriber id from the SS# to their member id right?...is the "optional patient id" used for something else that I am missing or just redundant?

[Jorgebon]

Some insurance companies have both a subscriber ID for the main subscriber and individual patient IDs for the dependent family members. The e claims format sends both numbers when they exist. The paper claim only has a space for the primary subscriber ID, but the Insurance companies that use dependent IDs usually ask that you use the dependent patient ID in box 23 of the paper claim form.
Jorge Bonilla, DMD

[Pruce Dental]

Thanks...

Can anyone explain what the "pending" checkbox is used for?

[jordansparks]

Just to remind you that the information has not yet been verfied by phoning the insurance company.

[Jorgebon]

The "pending" checkbox is used when you have entered part of the insurance definition but still have things you have to check with the insurance company or the patient. It doesn't do anything other than to let you know that you have something to do about the insurance definition. There's information on the topic here: http://www.opendental.com/manual/insplan.html

Jorge Bonilla, DMD

[Pruce Dental]

Thanks!!!

guess I can now throw away my written lists of plans that need additional info added...

oh and Merry christmans to all!!!