Which details are included in box 13 of the CMS-1500 form?

Box 13 of the CMS-1500 form is specifically designated for indicating whether the patient has possible secondary insurance coverage. This section is critical because it alerts the payer about the potential for additional insurance that may cover some of the charges presented on the claim. When box 13 is marked appropriately, it assists in the coordination of benefits, ensuring that all available payments are considered before the provider seeks payment from the patient.

The other choices do not belong in box 13. The date of the patient's first visit is typically documented elsewhere, not in this box. The total charges for services rendered are reported in different sections of the claim, specifically elsewhere on the form where itemized services and their corresponding charges are listed. The name of the referring provider is also documented in another section of the form, specifically in box 17, where provider details related to referrals are included. The correct notation for secondary insurance coverage properly directs the claim for all relevant payment options, making it a pivotal aspect of the billing process.