On UB-04 form, which diagnosis code is listed first?

Prepare for the CBCS-B exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

On UB-04 form, which diagnosis code is listed first?

In inpatient billing, the first diagnosis code on the UB-04 is the principal diagnosis—the condition established after study that represents the main reason for the patient’s admission. This code drives DRG assignment and payment, so it’s listed first to reflect the primary cause for hospitalization. Admitting diagnosis is the reason for admission as noted at the time of entry, but it isn’t the code that takes the first priority for billing purposes. The term used in many contexts for the main inpatient diagnosis is principal diagnosis; sometimes people say primary diagnosis, but on the UB-04 the official first code is the principal diagnosis. Initial diagnosis isn’t a standard UB-04 field for the primary billing code.

In inpatient billing, the first diagnosis code on the UB-04 is the principal diagnosis—the condition established after study that represents the main reason for the patient’s admission. This code drives DRG assignment and payment, so it’s listed first to reflect the primary cause for hospitalization.

Admitting diagnosis is the reason for admission as noted at the time of entry, but it isn’t the code that takes the first priority for billing purposes. The term used in many contexts for the main inpatient diagnosis is principal diagnosis; sometimes people say primary diagnosis, but on the UB-04 the official first code is the principal diagnosis. Initial diagnosis isn’t a standard UB-04 field for the primary billing code.

More practice questions