Reference·CLM Segment·CLM09
X12 837P Reference

Understanding X12 837P CLM09: Release of Information Code in Practice

Jul 27, 2026 · 4 min read
← CLM08 CLM11 →

CLM09 is a single character, but it is the field that tells a payer whether it is even allowed to use the clinical information on the claim to process it — get it wrong or leave it blank and adjudication can stall entirely.

Quick answer

CLM09 is the Release of Information Code in an X12 837P claim — it certifies that the provider has authorization to release medical information necessary to process the claim.

Valid code values

Y
Yes, provider has authorization — release is authorized per a signed statement on file
I
Informed Consent to Release Medical Information — used for situations governed by informed consent rather than a blanket signed release

Example

Synthetic example Generated by Synthibase 
CLM*ACCT18475*275.00***11:B:1*Y*A*Y*Y*P*

The final Y in the segment is CLM09, confirming the provider has authorization to release information for adjudication. Synthetic claim data.

Where this trips people up

CLM09 is a required field with no default-acceptable blank value, but some legacy billing systems still emit an empty or space-filled CLM09 on certain claim types — the file passes basic syntax checks but fails payer-specific companion guide edits, producing rejections that are easy to mistake for a CLM08 or CLM07 problem instead.

→
X12 837P CLM Explained: Structure, Fields, and Common Mistakes
 →
EDI Rejection Codes: Complete List and How to Fix Them
 →
How to Validate X12 EDI Files Before Payer Submission
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This page is written independently by Synthibase for testing and informational purposes. It is not an official publication of HL7 International or X12/Washington Publishing Company, and is not a substitute for reviewing the official standard or your trading partner's companion guide. See our Terms of Service for full legal terms.