Which statement about the description field FL 43 is true?

Which statement about the description field FL 43 is true?

• A. It is mandatory to include a description
• B. It must always be filled out for all claims
• C. It is optional to include a description
• D. It must be blank for inpatient claims

Answer: (C)

The description field FL 43 is optional. It exists to provide a brief narrative of the services billed when such detail helps clarify what was performed or to support unusual or non-standard coding. Because not every claim needs extra narration, many submissions leave FL 43 blank and are processed fine as long as the required fields are complete and the codes reflect the services provided. It’s not restricted to inpatient claims; you may include a description if it adds helpful clarity, but you’re not required to fill it in for every claim. Keep any description concise and aligned with the codes on the claim.

The description field FL 43 is optional. It exists to provide a brief narrative of the services billed when such detail helps clarify what was performed or to support unusual or non-standard coding. Because not every claim needs extra narration, many submissions leave FL 43 blank and are processed fine as long as the required fields are complete and the codes reflect the services provided. It’s not restricted to inpatient claims; you may include a description if it adds helpful clarity, but you’re not required to fill it in for every claim. Keep any description concise and aligned with the codes on the claim.