How should occurrence codes be listed on the UB-04 form?

How should occurrence codes be listed on the UB-04 form?

• A. Top to bottom by code value
• B. From left to right alphanumerically starting with FL31a
• C. Numerically within each FL
• D. Randomized order

Answer: (B)

Occurrence codes identify events that happened during the stay and can affect payment. On the UB-04, these codes are entered in a dedicated row across the form, using the slots that run from 31a to 31e. The proper approach is to place the codes starting in the first slot (31a) and then fill the next slots to the right in order. This left-to-right arrangement standardizes the submission so payers and clearinghouses read the sequence consistently and can correctly match each code with its corresponding date and details. Placing codes in any other order—vertically, by value within a single field, or randomly—would create confusion and increase the chance of processing errors.

Occurrence codes identify events that happened during the stay and can affect payment. On the UB-04, these codes are entered in a dedicated row across the form, using the slots that run from 31a to 31e. The proper approach is to place the codes starting in the first slot (31a) and then fill the next slots to the right in order. This left-to-right arrangement standardizes the submission so payers and clearinghouses read the sequence consistently and can correctly match each code with its corresponding date and details. Placing codes in any other order—vertically, by value within a single field, or randomly—would create confusion and increase the chance of processing errors.