Completing the UB-04 claim form correctly is essential for timely reimbursement. Below are the key steps for filling out each section of the CMS-1450 form.
Step 1 – Provider Information (Fields 1-8)
Enter the billing provider name, address, and telephone number in Field 1. Field 5 requires the Federal Tax Number. Field 6 is the Statement Covers Period with From and Through dates. Field 8 requires the Patient Control Number and Medical Record Number.
Step 2 – Patient Information (Fields 9-12)
Field 9 captures the patient name (last, first, middle initial). Fields 10 and 11 record the patient date of birth and sex. Field 12 is the Admission Date for inpatient claims.
Step 3 – Type of Bill Code (Field 4)
The Type of Bill (TOB) code is a four-digit code. The first digit is always zero. The second digit identifies the facility type: 1 for hospital, 2 for skilled nursing facility, 3 for home health. The third digit identifies the care type: 1 for inpatient, 3 for outpatient. The fourth digit is the billing frequency code.
Step 4 – Diagnosis and Procedure Codes (Fields 67-75)
Enter the principal diagnosis in Field 67. Additional diagnosis codes go in Fields 67A through 67Q. Operating room procedure codes go in Fields 74 and 74A. Use current ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and ICD-10-PCS procedure codes.
Step 5 – Revenue Codes and Charges (Fields 42-49)
Revenue codes go in Field 42. The service description goes in Field 43 and the HCPCS or CPT code goes in Field 44. Field 46 captures service units. Field 47 lists total charges for each revenue code line. The Total Charges row sums all charges.
Step 6 – Review and Submit
Review the completed UB-04 form for accuracy before submitting. Confirm all required fields are complete. Submit electronically through an approved clearinghouse or mail the paper form to the payer. Keep a copy for your records.
