Key points
- Include long names, several service lines, amounts, dates, and provider information so the test reveals clipping and spacing issues.
- Automatic fit-to-page, shrink, browser headers/footers, and printer-driver scaling can shift output.
- If every field is shifted, adjust print settings or software offsets rather than adding spaces to individual data values.
Use a representative test claim
Include long names, several service lines, amounts, dates, and provider information so the test reveals clipping and spacing issues.
Control scaling and margins
Automatic fit-to-page, shrink, browser headers/footers, and printer-driver scaling can shift output. Use the settings intended by the software workflow.
Do not change claim data to fix alignment
If every field is shifted, adjust print settings or software offsets rather than adding spaces to individual data values.
UB-04 calibration check
- Use a populated claim that exercises header, service-line, code/date, and lower provider fields.
- Confirm paper size, scaling, margins, and driver settings before changing software offsets.
- Record the known-good printer configuration and re-test after environmental changes.
Use a full-page calibration claim
A good UB-04 alignment test includes populated fields in the header, service-line area, and lower provider/certification portions of the page. Check horizontal and vertical placement across the entire sheet before changing offsets. If the top is correct but the bottom drifts, investigate scaling, paper size, and driver behavior rather than moving individual claim fields out of their correct form locations.
Sources and verification
Use the CMS institutional-claim sources below for current CMS-1450/UB-04 guidance, then apply the payer’s rules for the facility claim.
- CMS institutional paper claim form (CMS-1450/UB-04)
- CMS Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 25
Related guides
- Understanding Type of Bill on the UB-04
- What Is the UB-04 (CMS-1450) Form?
- Occurrence Codes on the UB-04
Try UB-04 software
For offices that prepare institutional paper claims, MedClaimSoftware’s dedicated UB-04 / CMS-1450 program can save and retrieve claims, support printing and alignment, and keep facility claim preparation in a focused Windows workflow. The software is $99/year for up to 2 computers, with a free downloadable trial. View UB-04 software.