Ohio Department of Aging
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Electronic Data Interchange, or EDI, is a way to send paper-based invoices as electronic documents. In addition to enhancing the payment process and providing automation for a labor-intensive process, EDI offers easy and inexpensive transmission of structured information.
EDI depends on an information technology infrastructure that includes data processing, data management and networking capabilities. The end result is that the capture of data into electronic form, the processing and retention of data, controlled access to it and efficient and reliable data transmission between remote sites requires little human intervention. A common connection point is needed for all participants, together with a set of electronic mailboxes (so that the organizations' computers are not interrupted by one another) and security and communications management features.
In use since the early 1970s, came to the forefront in the 1990s, with many large distribution companies and government organizations embracing the technology. EDI offers organizations better information flow, reduced costs and more accurate accounting. EDI also may save money because it can eliminate the overhead of printing and mailing paper documents. On the administration level, EDI can reduce or eliminate keypunching error, therefore providing additional savings.
The transmission of EDI documents is not as simple as transferring data files back and forth via a modem. EDI is based on a set of ANSI ASC X12 standards that are used for document content and structuring. Please review the informational links and documentation below for more information about EDI and how it works.
EDI Documentation
The documents are in Adobe Portable Document Format and require Adobe's free Acrobat Reader or equivalent software to view. File sizes are given in parenthesis. Larger files may take a long time to load on some Internet connections.
Purchase EDI Implementation Guides from Washington Publishing Company.
Providers wishing to use their Web browser to submit invoices should visit the PASSPORT DDE Information & Help Center.
Ohio Department of Aging