Which statement about UB-04 claim submission file formats is accurate?

• A. UB-04 must be submitted as paper only.
• B. HIPAA-compliant formats such as X12 5010 837; UB-04 may be the 837I; submission can be electronic or paper.
• C. UB-04 cannot be submitted electronically.
• D. Only PDF submissions are accepted.

Answer: (B)

HIPAA requires standard electronic formats for claims, and for institutional (hospital) claims the electronic format is the X12 5010 version 837I. The UB-04 form itself can still be used on paper, so you may submit either electronically in the 837I format or as a paper UB-04 form. This makes the statement that HIPAA-compliant formats (like 5010 837I) exist and that submissions can be electronic or paper the correct and complete description. Submitting only as paper or only as PDF is not accurate for the standard claim workflow.