Overview

This webpage is an introduction to the Medical Claims Electronic Data Transfer (MCEDT). It contains the MCEDT Reference Manual and Procedure Summaries. These include instructions on:

  • how to register for a GO Secure account
  • enrol in MCEDT
  • cut-off dates for claims submission

The Ministry of Health (MOH), Medical Claims Electronic Data Transfer service is a secure method of transferring electronic files to and from an authorized MCEDT user and the ministry. It is compliant with the Government of Ontario Information Technology Standards and the Personal Health Information Protection Act for the handling of personal health information. The MCEDT service is a web enabled service that can be accessed using an Internet connection.

The MCEDT service is available seven days a week on a 24-hour basis with the exception of:

  • weekly scheduled system maintenance
  • Sunday mornings between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday mornings between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

This is an Internet site that covers a variety of topics including operating systems (Windows, macOS) and browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer).

There are other online tutorial resources and this site is one of many.

There are two (2) ways to use this service, a manual web page and an automated web service.

Web user interface (Web page)

The web page is a simple web-user-interface that provides the basic upload and download functions to submit and retrieve files one at a time. This does not replace your billing software. If your current billing software is fully automated you will need to discuss an upgrade with your vendor.

The web page is not intended for use with automated billing programs or scripts. You still need billing software to create your claim files. Attempts to automate web page functions are strongly discouraged since the user interface is subject to change without notice and the ministry is unable to support applications that are sensitive to the layout of MCEDT screens.

Web service

The web service allows Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems or integrated billing software to provide automated interfaces to initiate multiple concurrent uploads and downloads.

Specialized software will be required to use the web service. Contact your vendor and refer to Section 8, Technical Specifications and Section 9, Conformance Testing.

Reference materials

The Medical Claims Electronic Data Transfer Reference Manual is available for download below.

Terms you should know before you start

Challenge Questions
There are 3 security questions and answers that you pick during registration for Government of Ontario (GO) Secure. These will be used to identify you, should you forget your password and need to reset it. Write these down.
Designee
The person (example: billing agent, support staff) a health service provider designates to upload claims and download reports on their behalf.
GO Secure
A GO secure system that allows (Broader Public Sector) users to create and use an account to access Ontario Public Service online services through the Internet. You must register for a GO Secure account to be able to enrol and access MCEDT.
GO Secure ID
The identification (ID) — your email address — that you use to sign onto GO Secure whenever you want to access the MCEDT service.
Internet browser
A software application or program used to enable users to access, retrieve, displays documents and other resources (web pages, images, or video) on the Internet. Some examples of browsers are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer.
MCEDT web page
The web page is a non-automated simple web user interface for health care providers. This interface provides the basic upload and download functions to submit and retrieve files one at a time.It is best suited for users who do not have integrated billing software or Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems and have low claims volumes.
MCEDT web service
The web service is a web-user-interface that allows Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems or integrated billing software to provide automated interfaces to initiate multiple concurrent uploads and downloads. Specialized software will be required to use the web service. Contact your vendor.
Permissions
Functions within MCEDT that a health service provider can delegate to another person, such as upload claims, download reports. Assigning permissions is the last step for designating a staff member to work on the health service provider's behalf.
Unique identifiers
Found in the ministry letter that is sent to all health service providers before beginning the registration process. You will be required to key these, once only, during your MCEDT enrolment session. New health service providers will receive 2 unique identifiers.

Reference manual

Best practices

Procedure summaries

Browser bookmark instructions

Upload/Download files in web browsers

All possible measures are exerted to ensure accuracy of the contents of this manual; however, the manual may contain typographical or printing errors. The public is cautioned against complete reliance upon the contents hereof without confirming the accuracy and currency of the information contained herein. The Crown in Right of Ontario, as represented by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, assumes no responsibility for any person's use of the material herein or any costs or damages associated with such use.

2024/2025 Cut-off dates for MCEDT claim submissions

Claim submission files received by 5:00 p.m. on the following dates are the only submissions that the ministry can assure for payment the following month:

  • January 18, 2024
  • February 20, 2024
  • March 18, 2024
  • April 18, 2024
  • May 17, 2024: It is recommended that claims be submitted by May 17, 2024 due to the holiday.
  • June 18, 2024
  • July 18, 2024
  • August 18, 2024
  • September 18, 2024
  • October 18, 2024
  • November 18, 2024
  • December 13, 2024: It is recommended that claims be submitted by December 13, 2024 due to the holidays.
  • January 20, 2025
  • February 18, 2025
  • March 18, 2025

The ministry operates on a monthly processing cycle. Submissions received by the 18th of the month will typically be processed for approval the following month. When the 18th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be extended to the next business day. MCEDT submissions received after the 18th may not be approved until the next monthly processing cycle (such as: submissions received on Nov. 18th will appear on the December RA, submissions received after November 18th may not appear until the January RA).

The ministry recommends that claim files be submitted weekly.

All possible measures are exerted to ensure accuracy of this information; however, it may contain typographical errors. The public is cautioned against complete reliance upon the contents hereof without confirming the accuracy and currency of the information contained herein. The crown in Right of Ontario, as represented by the Minister of Health, assumes no responsibility for any person's use of the material herein or any costs or damages associated with such use.

For more information

Call the Service Support Contact Centre (SSCC) at 1-800-262-6524

Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, except holidays

E-mail: SSContactCentre.MOH@ontario.ca

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