UB04 Field 10: Patient Birthdate

Introduction

UB-04 Field 10, also commonly referred to as Box 10, is used to record the patient's date of birth. This is a critical demographic identifier used by payers to verify the patient's identity and determine eligibility for benefits. Accurate reporting in Box 10 ensures that the claim is correctly matched to the member's policy record.

Requirements

Requirement Type	Status
Inpatient Requirement	Required
Outpatient Requirement	Required
Data Format	Eight-digit format (MMDDYYYY)

Billing Tips

When completing Field 10, ensure the date follows the MMDDYYYY format strictly (e.g., January 5, 1980, should be entered as 01051980). Discrepancies between the birthdate listed on the claim and the payer's eligibility file are a frequent cause of claim rejections or denials. Always verify this information against the patient's insurance card or government-issued ID during the intake process.