Working with us
Payments
We're working with Optum and ECHO Health, Inc. for electronic fund transfers (EFTs), electronic remittance advices (ERAs) and virtual credit cards (VCC). Get paid fast with one of these options:
- Sign up to receive EFT from Principal only. Or, sign up for EFT from all payors.
- ERA: Sign up to receive ERAs. For providers who are enrolled in EFT, you can receive ERAs by updating your practice management system with ECHO's Payer ID 58379. All generated ERAs will be accessible to download from the ECHO provider portal.
- VCC: No action needed to receive VCC. If you would like to opt out of this payment method and receive paper checks, call ECHO Health at 888-927-4394. If you have received a VCC payment and want to opt out, visit ECHO Health.
When you have a patient with dental insurance from Principal®, we’re here to help make that experience as easy as possible. Leverage our online Provider Service Center to make your job easier. And watch these videos to see all the ways you can self-serve.
To access the Provider Service Center, you’ll need to register for an account. Once you have that, you can log in at any time to:
- Check patient eligibility and coverage, including coinsurance, deductibles, benefit maximums, tooth history, network membership, and benefits in effect on a given date.
- Determine if your patient is eligible for an exam, cleanings, X-rays, and other major services.
- View, request, and print benefit summaries online.
- Submit a pre-determination.
- Request a copy of the fee schedule.
- View the explanation of benefits (EOB) online.
- Submit additional information needed to complete claim processing.
Before treatment begins, you can request an optional pre-determination of payable benefits. Simply collect the following information:
- ADA codes for the procedure(s)
- Billed charge
- Supporting X-rays/information
Then submit it to us using one of the following methods:
- Log in to the Provider Service Center.
- Email us at CSDClaims@exchange.principal.com
- Mail the information to:
Principal
PO Box 10357
Des Moines, IA 50306-0357
Once the pre-determination is processed, it’s viewable in the Provider Service Center. You’ll also receive a written response within 15 business days. A pre-determination doesn’t expire if nothing has changed (i.e. plan changes, significant changes in mouth history, treatment plan changes, etc.).
You can submit the ADA standard claims form to us using one of the following methods:
- File electronically by using one of the clearinghouse options (details below):
- Email us at CSDClaims@exchange.principal.com
- Mail the information to:
Principal
PO Box 10357
Des Moines, IA 50306-0357
Please use the privacy ID only. Claims submitted with a Social Security Number won’t be accepted.
Once the claim is processed, the explanation of benefits (EOB) is viewable in the Provider Service Center. The EOB shows:
- Adjustments to charges you need to make to your records.
- Amount due from the patient, such as coinsurance and deductible, if any.
Dental claims will only be considered if received within 12 months of the date of service. Orthodontia claims will only be considered if received within 36 months of the date of service.
Submit additional information needed to complete claim processing or to appeal a claim decision by logging in to the Provider Service Center. You can also use the same email or mailing address listed above.
Leverage these clearinghouses to save time, increase claim accuracy, and get paid faster. Our payor number is 61271 for the following options:
- Vyne Dental: vynedental.com, 800-782-5150.
- DentalXChange: dentalxchange.com, 877-932-2567 ext. 452 or support@dentalxchange.com
Resources
Claim resolution guidelines
View the process we follow when there is insufficient claim information.
Principal clinical guidelines—at your fingertips
Easily find guidelines for frequently submitted procedures that require review — and what you need to submit.
Have a question?
Reach us by phone
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (CST)
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (CST)
Benefit verification: 800-247-4695