Medical Billing Terms B: CMS-1500 Boxes 24I to 33, BAAs and Bundling

This page finishes the CMS-1500 (1500 claim form) boxes, 24I through 33, and covers breach notification, business associate agreements, and bundling. Each entry gives a plain definition, why it matters, an example, and an official source. MCM South Medical Billing Service, LLC works only in mental and behavioral health billing.

Last reviewed: October 10, 2026Sources linked at each term

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Billing Terms Glossary slide, Terms B: CMS-1500 box 24J - MCM South Medical Billing Service, LLC

Glossary pages

0-9 ABC D E F G H I J K-L M N-O P Q-R S T U-V W-Z

Pages in B

B-1 B-2B-3

On this page (20 terms)

Box 24I (ID Qualifier)
Box 24J (Rendering Provider ID)
Box 25 (Federal Tax ID Number)
Box 26 (Patient's Account No.)
Box 27 (Accept Assignment)
Box 28 (Total Charge)
Box 29 (Amount Paid)
Box 31 (Signature of Physician or Supplier)
Box 32 (Service Facility Location Information)
Box 33 (Billing Provider Information and Phone Number)
Box 4 (Insured's Name)
Box 6 (Patient Relationship to Insured)
Box 9 (Other Insured's Information)
Breach Notification Rule
Brief Emotional or Behavioral Assessment (96127)
Bright Health
Bundled Payment
Bundling
Business Associate
Business Associate Agreement (BAA)

How to use these CMS-1500 box 24J definitions

Use this page as a quick reference for CMS-1500 box 24J, from Box 24I to Business Associate Agreement. Each entry gives a plain definition, why it matters to a mental health practice, and an official source. When a rule changes by payer or state, the entry says so, so confirm CMS-1500 box 24J details with the payer before you bill.

Checklist: put the cms-1500 box 24j definitions to work

Check the cms-1500 box 24j entries above before you send a claim that depends on them.
Share this cms-1500 box 24j page with front-desk and billing staff so everyone works from the same definitions.
When a payer letter mentions cms-1500 box 24j, find the matching entry and note the date you checked it.
Keep your cms-1500 box 24j notes next to your payer contracts, because a contract can define a term differently.
Ask the payer to confirm in writing how it applies cms-1500 box 24j before you change a workflow.
Train new staff on cms-1500 box 24j first, then move on to the rest of the glossary.
Log any cms-1500 box 24j question that comes up twice, then add the answer to your billing procedures.
Use the source links under the cms-1500 box 24j entries to confirm the current rule.
Print the cms-1500 box 24j entries you use most and keep them at the billing desk.
Review your cms-1500 box 24j notes each quarter, because payer and CMS rules change.
Mark where cms-1500 box 24j work differently for psychotherapists and for psychiatrists in your own procedures.
If a cms-1500 box 24j entry does not match what your payer tells you, follow the payer contract and ask for the answer in writing.

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Box 24I (ID Qualifier)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 24I; item 24I; ID qualifier for rendering provider

Definition: Box 24I on the 1500 claim form identifies whether the rendering provider's number in Box 24J is a non-NPI identifier. It is used with the shaded part of the line.
Why it matters: Use it only when a payer requires a non-NPI identifier. A wrong qualifier can cause a rejection.
Illustrative example: A payer requires a legacy provider number for a rendering clinician, so the biller uses the qualifier the payer names.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing

Box 24J (Rendering Provider ID)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 24J; item 24J; rendering NPI on claim line

Definition: Box 24J on the 1500 claim form holds the identification number of the individual who performed the service. The NPI goes in the unshaded part of the line.
Why it matters: The rendering NPI must match the clinician's enrollment with the payer. A mismatch can deny or misroute the claim. Group practices list the individual clinician here and the group in Box 33a.
Illustrative example: A group practice enters the treating therapist's individual NPI in Box 24J and the group's NPI in Box 33a.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Provider Data Management Terms

Box 25 (Federal Tax ID Number)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 25; item 25; TIN EIN on claim

Definition: Box 25 on the 1500 claim form holds the federal tax ID number that the payer uses to report payments, usually on a 1099. It can be an EIN or a Social Security number.
Why it matters: The number must match the payer's enrollment and W-9 records, or claims and payments can be misapplied.
Illustrative example: A practice enters its EIN in Box 25, matching the W-9 on file with the payer.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Provider Data Management Terms

Box 26 (Patient's Account No.)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 26; item 26; patient account number; PCN

Definition: Box 26 on the 1500 claim form holds the patient's account number that the provider assigns in its own system.
Why it matters: The payer returns this number on the remittance advice, so it lets a biller match payments to accounts. Keep it unique and free of special characters.
Illustrative example: A practice enters its account number in Box 26 and later matches the ERA by that number.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing

Box 27 (Accept Assignment)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 27; item 27; accept assignment yes no

Definition: Box 27 on the 1500 claim form indicates whether the provider agrees to accept assignment under the payer's program.
Why it matters: For Medicare, accepting assignment means the provider accepts the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full. Rules differ by payer, so check the program's instructions.
Illustrative example: A participating provider answers yes to accepting assignment on a Medicare claim.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Payment & Reimbursement

Box 28 (Total Charge)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 28; item 28; total charges

Definition: Box 28 on the 1500 claim form shows the total billed amount for all services on the claim, the sum of the charges in Box 24F.
Why it matters: A total that does not equal the sum of the lines can reject the claim. Check the math before you send it.
Illustrative example: A biller confirms the sum of the line charges matches Box 28 during claim scrubbing.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Payment & Reimbursement

Box 29 (Amount Paid)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 29; item 29; amount paid on claim

Definition: Box 29 on the 1500 claim form shows the amount the patient or other payers have paid toward the covered services.
Why it matters: Do not list an expected copay. Report only what has been paid, according to payer instructions. Secondary claims often use this box or the payer's electronic fields.
Illustrative example: A biller leaves Box 29 blank on a primary claim, since only a prior payment belongs there.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Payment & Reimbursement

Box 31 (Signature of Physician or Supplier)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 31; item 31; provider signature; provider credentials on claim

Definition: Box 31 on the 1500 claim form holds the signature of the physician or supplier, including degrees or credentials, or the authorized person's name and title.
Why it matters: It certifies the claim. Follow the payer's rule on signature or "Signature on File," since electronic claims work differently.
Illustrative example: A biller enters the clinician's name and credentials in Box 31 as the payer's manual directs.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Audits & Compliance

Box 32 (Service Facility Location Information)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 32; item 32; service location; facility NPI

Definition: Box 32 on the 1500 claim form holds the name and address of the site where the services were provided. Box 32a holds the facility NPI and Box 32b holds a non-NPI identifier.
Why it matters: Payers may use the address to price the claim and check the place of service. A wrong address can cause a denial. For a home visit, follow the payer's instruction.
Illustrative example: A therapist works at an office address different from the billing address, so the biller lists the office in Box 32.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing

Box 33 (Billing Provider Information and Phone Number)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 33; item 33; billing provider NPI 33a; pay-to provider

Definition: Box 33 on the 1500 claim form holds the billing provider's or supplier's name, address, and phone number. Box 33a holds the billing provider's NPI and Box 33b holds a non-NPI identifier.
Why it matters: The billing provider is the entity that gets paid. For a group, it is the group's name and Type 2 NPI. It must match the payer's enrollment or the claim can be denied.
Illustrative example: A group practice lists its name, address, and group NPI in Box 33 and Box 33a.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Provider Data Management Terms

Box 4 (Insured's Name)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 4; item 4; policyholder name; subscriber name on claim

Definition: Box 4 on the 1500 claim form shows the insured's name. The insured is the person who holds the policy, typically the employee under employer coverage.
Why it matters: If the patient is not the policyholder, Box 4 is the subscriber, not the patient. A mismatch with the payer's records can reject the claim.
Illustrative example: A child is treated under a parent's plan. Box 2 lists the child, and Box 4 lists the parent as the insured.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Eligibility & Benefits

Box 6 (Patient Relationship to Insured)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 6; item 6; patient relationship; self spouse child other

Definition: Box 6 on the 1500 claim form shows how the patient is related to the insured: self, spouse, child, or other.
Why it matters: The relationship tells the payer whether the patient is the subscriber or a dependent. A wrong choice can cause a rejection or misdirect an EOB.
Illustrative example: A therapist bills for a spouse on a partner's plan and marks Box 6 as spouse.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Eligibility & Benefits

Box 9 (Other Insured's Information)

General (all payers)

Also called CMS-1500 box 9; item 9; other insured; secondary insurance on claim

Definition: Box 9 on the 1500 claim form identifies another policy that may cover the patient. It includes the other insured's name and the policy or group number (Box 9a) and the plan or program name (Box 9d).
Why it matters: Use it when a secondary payer exists. Payers use it for coordination of benefits and crossover claims. Follow the payer's instructions on when to fill it.
Illustrative example: A patient has a commercial primary plan and a spouse's secondary plan. The biller fills Box 9 for the spouse's plan.

Reference sourceNUCC, 1500 Claim Form Reference Instruction Manual, Version 13.0 (7/25)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Eligibility & Benefits

Breach Notification Rule

General (all payers)

Also called HIPAA breach notification; data breach reporting

Definition: A HIPAA rule requiring covered entities and business associates to notify affected individuals, and in some cases HHS and media, after a breach of unsecured PHI.
Why it matters: Missing deadlines adds penalties.
Illustrative example: A practice notifies patients after a lost unencrypted laptop.

Reference sourceHHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesAudits & Compliance

Brief Emotional or Behavioral Assessment (96127)

General (all payers)

Also called 96127; depression screening instrument; PHQ-9 billing; GAD-7 billing

Definition: A CPT code for brief emotional or behavioral assessment with a scored, standardized instrument.
Why it matters: Payer policies on units and diagnosis linkage vary.
Illustrative example: A clinician bills 96127 for a scored PHQ-9 where the payer allows.

Related termsCPT Code Screening Medical Necessity

Reference sourceAmerican Medical Association (AMA)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesBehavioral Health Specific Terms Claims Processing

Bright Health

General (all payers)

Also called Bright HealthCare; NeueHealth

Definition: A company that offered insurance plans and later changed its business; current status must be verified.
Why it matters: Do not assume active plans without verification.
Illustrative example: A provider verifies whether a member's plan is still active.

Reference sourceCMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesBCBS, UHC & Commercial Payer Terms

Bundled Payment

General (all payers)

Also called episode payment; bundled payments

Definition: A single payment for all services in an episode of care.
Why it matters: Requires coordination and cost management.
Illustrative example: A payer pays one amount for a defined treatment episode.

Reference sourceCMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesValue-Based Care Terminology Payment & Reimbursement

Bundling

General (all payers)

Also called bundled services

Definition: Combining payment for services that a payer considers part of one another, so one is not separately paid.
Why it matters: Leads to denials or reductions for multiple same-day codes.
Illustrative example: A payer bundles a screening code with an evaluation.

Reference sourceCMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)CMS National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Denials & Appeals

Business Associate

General (all payers)

Also called HIPAA business associate

Definition: A person or organization that performs functions for a covered entity involving PHI, such as billing.
Why it matters: Business associates are directly liable for certain HIPAA requirements.
Illustrative example: A billing service is a business associate of its clients.

Reference sourceHHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesAudits & Compliance

Business Associate Agreement (BAA)

General (all payers)

Also called BAA; business associate contract

Definition: A written contract required under HIPAA when a vendor handles PHI on behalf of a covered entity, setting safeguards and obligations.
Why it matters: Billing services, clearinghouses, and software vendors that access PHI generally require one.
Illustrative example: A practice signs a BAA with its billing company.

Reference sourceHHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesAudits & Compliance

Quick answer: CMS-1500 box 24J

What is a business associate agreement (BAA)?

It is a written contract required under HIPAA when a vendor handles protected health information for a covered entity. It sets the safeguards and obligations each side accepts.

Frequently asked questions: CMS-1500 box 24J

What goes in Box 24J of the CMS-1500?

Box 24J holds the ID of the individual who performed the service. The rendering NPI goes in the unshaded part of the line and must match the clinician's enrollment with the payer.

What is the difference between Box 24J and Box 33a?

Box 24J is the clinician who rendered the service. Box 33a is the billing provider's NPI, which for a group is the group's Type 2 NPI.

Do I need a business associate agreement with my billing company?

Under HIPAA, a written agreement is required when a vendor handles protected health information for a covered entity. Billing services, clearinghouses, and software vendors that access PHI generally need one. Ask counsel about your situation.

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MCM South serves psychotherapists and psychiatrists in ten states: Georgia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas, Florida, New York, Colorado, Tennessee, North Carolina and Illinois.

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