Claim Submission Workflow
Paper vs Electronic Medical Claims
Compare CMS-1500/UB-04 paper workflows with 837P/837I electronic transactions, including when each format is used and how acknowledgments differ.
Reviewed September 2026 · Educational reference — verify payer and program requirements.
Step-by-step workflow
- Step 1. CMS-1500 ↔ 837P professional claims
- Step 2. UB-04/CMS-1450 ↔ 837I institutional claims
- Step 3. Electronic filing is commonly required
- Step 4. Paper may require an exception/waiver in some programs
- Step 5. Electronic files generate technical acknowledgments
Submission rules vary. The correct payer address, portal, clearinghouse, trading-partner connection, companion guide, enrollment and acknowledgment process depend on the payer and program. Use this workflow to organize the process, then follow the payer’s current instructions.