Under the 5010 format, which statement about the code '1' in the POA field is accurate?

Under the 5010 format, which statement about the code '1' in the POA field is accurate?

• A. The code 1 indicates POA status as Y.
• B. The code 1 is the equivalent of a blank and is no longer valid under the 5010 format; the POA field will be left blank for codes exempt from POA reporting.
• C. The code 1 must be entered for all exempt codes.
• D. The code 1 is used to represent U in the field.

Answer: (B)

Under 5010, the Present on Admission (POA) indicator on the UB-04 claims is used to show whether a diagnosis was present at the time of admission. The standard values you’ll encounter are Y for yes, N for no, and other indicators as defined by the payer, but the numeric code 1 is not part of the accepted set. When a diagnosis is exempt from POA reporting, the field should be left blank rather than filled with a value. This aligns with 5010 data requirements, ensuring no misinterpretation of an exemption. The other options aren’t correct because they either imply that the numeric code 1 remains valid, require a specific entry for exempt statuses, or suggest a different indicator for exemption. Leaving the field blank correctly communicates exemption under the 5010 format.

Under 5010, the Present on Admission (POA) indicator on the UB-04 claims is used to show whether a diagnosis was present at the time of admission. The standard values you’ll encounter are Y for yes, N for no, and other indicators as defined by the payer, but the numeric code 1 is not part of the accepted set. When a diagnosis is exempt from POA reporting, the field should be left blank rather than filled with a value. This aligns with 5010 data requirements, ensuring no misinterpretation of an exemption. The other options aren’t correct because they either imply that the numeric code 1 remains valid, require a specific entry for exempt statuses, or suggest a different indicator for exemption. Leaving the field blank correctly communicates exemption under the 5010 format.