What links a service line to its service area and charges on UB-04?

• A. A diagnosis code
• B. A patient account number
• C. A revenue code
• D. Date of birth

Answer: (C)

Revenue codes identify the service area for each line item on a UB-04 claim, linking the service provided to the department or type of care and the amount charged for that service. Each service line uses a revenue code to show where the service occurred (such as room and board, surgery, radiology, or laboratory) and the corresponding charge for that specific service. This organization lets payers reimburse by service category and lets the claim total reflect charges by area of care. Diagnosis codes describe the patient’s condition and influence billing or medical necessity, but they don’t determine the service area or the charges. Patient account numbers and birth dates are used for identification and demographics, not for linking service lines to charges.