These two terms come up a lot and they're the same information in two formats. An EOB (Explanation of Benefits) is the paper or PDF version. An ERA is the electronic version.
The columns you'll see on each service line:
Billed: what was charged
Allowed: what the payer's contract permits
Deductible / Coinsurance: the patient's share under their plan
Provider paid: what the payer actually paid
Patient responsibility: the total the patient owes
You'll also see short codes next to adjustments. The letters matter: CO means a contractual adjustment (the gap between billed and allowed, which the practice writes off, and the patient is not billed for it). PR means patient responsibility (billable to the patient). If a code on your report doesn't make sense, send it to us and we'll translate.