Outpatient Claim: Understanding FL44 Field

What information does FL44 on an outpatient claim usually contain?

A) The patient's primary diagnosis code

B) The attending physician's contact information

C) The patient's Social Security number

D) The billing provider's NPI (National Provider Identifier) number

Answer:

FL44 on an outpatient claim usually contains the patient's primary diagnosis code.

On an outpatient claim, the FL44 field typically contains the patient's primary diagnosis code. This code indicates the main reason for the patient's visit or treatment.

For example, if a patient is being treated for pneumonia, the primary diagnosis code would indicate this condition. It helps the insurance company determine the appropriate reimbursement for the services provided.

Other information, such as the attending physician's contact information, the patient's Social Security number, and the billing provider's NPI number, may be found in different sections of the claim form, but not specifically in the FL44 field.