This webpage is an introduction to the Medical Claims Electronic Data Transfer (MCEDT) Service. It contains the MCEDT Reference Manual and Procedure Summaries which include instructions on how to register for a GO Secure account, enrol in MCEDT and 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 am to 8:00 am. and Wednesday mornings between the hours of 5:00 am to 8:00 am.
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There are two (2) ways to use this service, a manual web page and an automated web service.
MCEDT 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 but 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, but 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.
MCEDT 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.
Medical Claims Electronic Data Transfer 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 (e.g. 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 Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. |
| 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. |
| Shared Secret | Like a Personal Identification Number (PIN) number, a string of characters and numbers, that GO Secure automatically generates and emails to the health service provider after they have added a designee. The designee must use the "shared secret" to accept the first time designation. |
| 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. Current EDT users receive 3 unique identifiers in their letter. New health service providers will receive 2 unique identifiers. |
Medical Claims Electronic Data Transfer Reference Manual
Medical Claims Electronic Data Transfer Reference Manual
214 pages | 5.2 Mb | PDF
MCEDT Best Practices
MCEDT Procedure Summaries
Changing your GO Secure User ID and Email Account
MCEDT Upload/Download for Designee with Multiple Billing Numbers (MOH IDs)
MCEDT Registration and Enrolment Procedure Summary
MCEDT Designee Maintenance Procedure Summary
Overview of First Time Designee Procedures for MCEDT
1 page | 1 Mb | PDF
Overview of Previously Registered Designee for MCEDT
1 page | 1 Mb | PDF
MCEDT Browser Bookmark Instructions
Create and Correct Bookmarks in Mozilla Firefox
Create and Correct Bookmarks in Microsoft Internet Explorer
MCEDT 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.
2023/2024 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, 2023
- February 17, 2023: It is recommended that claims be submitted by February 17, 2023 due to February being a shorter month and the Family Day holiday.
- March 20, 2023
- April 18, 2023
- May 18, 2023
- June 19, 2023
- July 18, 2023
- August 18, 2023
- September 18, 2023
- October 18, 2023
- November 20, 2023
- December 13, 2023: It is recommended that claims be submitted by December 13, 2023 due to the holidays.
- January 18, 2024
- February 20, 2024
- March 18, 2024
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 (i.e. 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 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.
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