What is the correct format for birth date entry on the CMS-1500 claim?

The CMS-1500 claim form requires that the birth date be entered in the format MM DD YYYY. This format ensures clarity and avoids confusion that can arise from different interpretations of date formats, as certain locales may interpret dates differently (e.g., DD/MM/YYYY vs. MM/DD/YYYY). By using a space between the month, day, and year, consistency is maintained across the document, facilitating easier processing by payers and reducing the risk of errors during billing.

Using this format is critical for compliance with insurance standards, as it helps ensure that all essential demographic information, including patient birth dates, is recorded correctly, thus streamlining the claims submission and processing workflow. Additionally, adhering to the formatting requirements can prevent delays in payment due to incorrect information.