Box Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  1. Why does it say my eTAR is approved when I cancelled the eTAR?

  2. I billed an approved eTAR, why does it say that my eTAR number is invalid?

  3. Why do I have to use a TAR3 Attachment Form to send attachments?

  4. How long does it take to adjudicate a eTAR?

  5. When an eTAR is rejected due to an invalid recipient ID, do I choose "Update Recipient ID" or "Update Rejected Service" from the update menu?"

  6. How do I know if an attachment I submitted by fax was accepted?

  7. When I do a reauthorization for a paper TAR, why do I have to input the provider and patient information before I proceed to update the service information?

  8. Can I update a denied eTAR?

  9. If I am entering an eTAR and need to return to the previous page, can I use the back button?

  10. Can the "Submitting Provider Number" and the "Rendering Provider Number" be the same?
  1. Why does it say my eTAR is approved when I cancelled the eTAR?
      When you cancel an eTAR the eTAR is not deleted from the database. The cancellation is submitted, then the eTAR system automatically adjusts the number of units requested down to zero or to the number of units that have been paid.
    2. Return to Top


  2. I billed an approved eTAR, why does it say that my eTAR number is invalid?
      The 10-digit eTAR Control Number (TCN) that is generated when your eTAR is initially submitted is not the final TCN that you will use for billing. Once the eTAR is approved/modified, a single-digit pricing indicator is given for the eTAR. This pricing indicator completes the TCN and becomes the 11th digit.
    3. Return to Top


  3. Why do I have to use a TAR3 Attachment Form to send attachments?
      When attachments are submitted via fax, they cease to exist in the paper world. Attachments that are faxed, are received by a fax server, a computer that reads the information on the first page of the document. If the first page is not the TAR3 Attachment 3 Form, then the attachment will be rejected. The fax will not be uploaded to the eTAR, and the eTAR may be deferred/denied.
    4. Return to Top


  4. How long does it take to adjudicate an eTAR?
      Like paper TARs, the length of time it takes for an eTAR to be adjudicated is dependent on the field office. Field office workload and staffing together determine adjudication time.
    5. Return to Top


  5. When an eTAR is rejected due to an invalid recipient ID, do I choose "Update Recipient ID" or "Update Rejected Service" from the update menu?
      In this situation, the "Update Recipient ID" reason is used.
    6. Return to Top


  6. How do I know if an attachment I submitted by fax was accepted?
      Approximately 24 – 48 hours after a fax attachment is submitted and linked to the eTAR, a fax confirmation form is system generated and faxed back to the fax number that was entered on the TAR3 Attachment Form. If this confirmation letter is not received, please call the Telephone Service Center at 1-800-541-5555 and follow the prompts for eTAR.
    7. Return to Top


  7. When I do a reauthorization for a paper TAR, why do I have to input the provider and patient information before I proceed to update the service information?
      Anytime a paper TAR is updated online, the paper TAR is automatically converted to an eTAR. This means that all of the fields required for an eTAR must be completed for the paper TAR to be updated. If any required fields are missed, then the eTAR update will be rejected and the update must be resubmitted.
    8. Return to Top


  8. Can I update a denied eTAR?
      Denied eTARs cannot be updated by the field office or providers. Currently, the eTAR appeals process is still being developed. If you feel that an eTAR was denied in error, please follow the current paper appeal process. This process is described in the Medi-Cal Provider Manual.
    9. Return to Top


  9. If I am entering an eTAR and need to return to the previous page, can I use the back button?
      When entering in an eTAR you cannot use the back button. Using the back button will affect the information you have entered, possibly causing a duplicate service line. To change or modify information before submitting, please select "Edit Patient Information" or "Edit Service" from the summary.
    10. Return to Top


  10. Can the "Submitting Provider Number" and the "Rendering Provider Number" be the same?
      Rendering Provider Number is now optional. If included, the Rendering Provider Number should not match the Submitting Provider Number.
Return to Top