How are claims submitted to third-party payers?

• A. Only by fax.
• B. Only by email.
• C. By phone call.
• D. Electronically or via paper forms detailing services and costs.

Answer: (D)

Submitting claims to third-party payers happens through two main pathways: electronically or on paper forms. Electronic submission is the standard in modern billing because it goes through a clearinghouse or payer portal, uses standardized formats, and speeds processing and payment. When electronic submission isn’t possible, claims are filed on traditional paper forms (such as the paper version of the CMS 1500 for professional services or UB-04 for institutional services), detailing the services provided and the associated charges so the payer can adjudicate the claim.

Phone calls or faxes aren’t used to submit claims themselves; they’re generally for inquiries, status checks, or attaching supporting documents. So the best practice is either electronic transmission or filing the claim on a standardized paper form with complete service and cost details.