When CentralReach exports EDI claims, a reference value is added to each claim line. CentralReach uses reference values to match a claim line, or combined claim lines, to billing entries on the billing screen. These values are typically returned in the 835/ERA file. However, if the reference value is not returned in the 835/ERA file, CentralReach cannot locate the exact entry and will categorize it as “Orphaned.”
Orphaned data is data that cannot be matched to any original submission information. This can occur because:
- The data was never in CentralReach (e.g. The dates of service pre-date the transition to CR)
- The data was entered on a web portal or sent via a paper claim
- The data was reprocessed and the payor did not return the correct reference data for each line item
- The payor is not returning the reference information
To post orphaned data from an ERA:
- Navigate to the Claims module and select ERA List
- Click the blue Id number to open the ERA
- Under the “Service Lines” column, clients and service lines can be marked as Orphaned

- If there is orphaned client data:
- Click Orphaned Client
- In the edit screen, enter the Era Patient and MI – Member ID Number
- Select the payor in the Payor drop-down
- Click the checkmark
- If there is orphaned claims data:
- Click the Orphaned service line
- In the Choose billing entries for pop-up, the yellow line will contain the ERA information. CentralReach will default to the day and client indicated in that line and populate potential billing entries
- Click the checkbox next to the entry to match
- Click Apply Changes
- If needed, repeat for each orphaned service line
ERA data can also be downloaded from the payor, a clearinghouse, or CentralReach.
To download the ERA report via CentralReach:
- Navigate to the Claims module and select ERA List
- Click the cloud icon
Click here to learn how to use the ERA List.