What is the importance of including linked dates (admission, discharge, service dates) on UB-04?

• A. They are optional and do not affect coverage periods.
• B. They are used to determine patient eligibility only at enrollment.
• C. They ensure accurate coverage periods, billing accuracy, and payer eligibility.
• D. They are used only for scheduling future services.

Answer: (C)

Linking admission, discharge, and service dates on the UB-04 creates a single, traceable timeline for the patient’s care. These dates are used to determine coverage periods, verify payer eligibility, and ensure billing accuracy. Admission and discharge dates define the hospital stay window, while service dates show when specific items of service occurred. When these dates line up, the payer can confirm that services fall within the covered period, help calculate patient liability, and support proper reimbursement. Missing or inconsistent dates can cause mismatches between the billed items and the patient’s coverage, leading to denials or delays. Therefore, including all linked dates on the UB-04 is essential for accurate processing, policy alignment, and smooth payer communication.