What should be written in Block 7 if the insured is the same as the patient?

When the insured is the same as the patient, it is appropriate to write "SAME" in Block 7 of the CMS-1500 form. This indicates to the payer that the individual receiving the services is also the individual whose insurance coverage is being billed. It helps streamline processing and clarifies that the patient and the insured party do not differ, which aids in reducing potential claims processing errors.

The other options do not accurately convey the relationship between the insured and the patient in a way that is recognized or required in the context of the CMS-1500 form. For instance, "NOT APPLICABLE" does not provide any relevant information about the status of the insured. "DIFFERENT" would be misleading, suggesting that the patient and insured are not the same, which is contrary to the premise of the question. "PRIMARY" would imply a particular type of insurance coverage but does not address the direct relationship of the patient to the insured. Thus, writing "SAME" provides the necessary clarity that aligns with the requirements of the claims process.