What must be placed in Boxes 12 and 13 if there is a signature on file?

The requirement to place "SIGNATURE ON FILE" or "SOF" in Boxes 12 and 13 is essential when there is a signature on file for a patient's insurance claims. These boxes are typically used in medical billing forms, like the CMS-1500, where the provider must communicate whether they have a documented authorization from the patient to release their medical information to the insurer.

Inclusion of "SIGNATURE ON FILE" ensures that the insurance company recognizes that the patient has granted permission to process claims based on the previously authorized signature, thereby facilitating smoother claim processing and reimbursement. This notation serves as a legal affirmation that the patient acknowledges and agrees to the terms laid out by the insurance company regarding the use of their medical records for billing purposes.

Understanding the documentation and procedures in these specific boxes is crucial for compliance and for avoiding claim denials. Therefore, clear identification of the patient's authorization through this method is critical in the medical billing process.