August 2007 Newsletter

Changes for Admission Source Block on UB-04

By: EDI Project Leader

For those of you who have finally figured out how to use the Admission Source block (FL 15) on the UB billing form, it is time for a change. Effective October 1, 2007, the NUBC (National Uniform Billing Committee) has not only changed the Name/Description for this field, but has dramatically modified the coding structure used. Beginning October 1st, this field will be referred to as, "The Point of Origin for Admission or Visit." The definition will be:
A code indicating the point of patient origin for this admission or visit.

The changes in coding structure are as follows:

The complete elimination of 3—HMO Referral as a valid code.

A total revamp of the codes used for Nursery. When the Admit Type field is 4, the Admission Source or Point of Origin field will need to be one of two new codes:

• 5—Born Inside this Hospital
• 6—Born Outside of this Hospital

Codes 1–4 are being discontinued and put back to a "Reserved for Assignment" status.

The addition of two other codes rounds out the changes:

• E—Transfer from Ambulatory Surgery Center
• F—Transfer from Hospice and is Under a Hospice Plan of Care or Enrolled in a Hospice Program

For more details regarding this upcoming change, please refer to the NUBC Guide available (for a fee) at www.nubc.org.