Interactive Voice Response User Guide

Using Touch-Tone

Table of Contents

[Return to Top]

Using Touch-Tone

The IVR is programmed to allow for the entry of all data using touch‐tone in the event the user is unable to successfully speak to the IVR. These instructions detail how to use touch‐tone to enter various types of information requested by the IVR.

Note: You can switch between voice and touch‐tone throughout the call (e.g., voice for Medicare number and touch‐tone for beneficiary name); however, you cannot combine speech and touch‐tone when providing a single element (e.g., voice for the numbers in a Medicare number and then touch‐tone for suffix).

[Return to Top]

Using Touch-Tone for Alpha-Numeric Elements

When a single touch-tone entry contains alpha and numeric information (e.g., Medicare number) utilize the following instructions.

Each button on the telephone keypad has a corresponding set of letters. Each letter is identified as a 1, 2 or 3 to indicate its position on that key.

[Return to Top]

Using Touch-Tone to Enter a Letter

Use this function to enter the alpha prefix or suffix of the Medicare number, a letter in the PTAN or a letter in a procedure code.

Each button on the telephone keypad has a corresponding set of letters. Each letter is identified as a 1, 2 or 3 to indicate its position on that key.

Telephone touch-tone key pad number 9 displaying the letters W (position 1), X (position 2), y (position 3) and Z (position 4).

Three keys are required to enter a letter. Example, to enter Medicare number 155‐55‐5555W, press the first nine digits of the Medicare number; * (star key) to indicate that you are about to enter a letter; the key containing the letter W; and then the position of the letter on that key (1st position).

You are encouraged to utilize the Interactive Voice Response Conversion Tool that is located on our website, from the Provider Resources menu, select Calculators & Tools, and then the Interactive Voice Response Conversion Tools. This tool will convert:

    • Beneficiary name
    • PTAN
    • HICN
    • MBI
    • Document Control Number