The Health Care Eligibility Benefit Inquiry and Response (270/271) is an example of which HIPAA standard?

• A. Privacy Notice
• B. Administrative Safeguard
• C. Standard Transaction Standard
• D. Security Standard

Answer: (C)

HIPAA requires standardized electronic transactions for exchanging health information. The 270/271 pair is specifically used for eligibility inquiries and responses, standardizing how coverage and benefits information is requested and returned. This makes verification of a patient’s eligibility quick and uniform across providers and payers, using the agreed X12 transaction format.

Because it defines the format and flow of an electronic eligibility check, it falls under the Standard Transaction standards. It is not a Privacy Notice, which explains how PHI may be used and disclosed under the Privacy Rule, nor is it an Administrative Safeguard or a Security Standard, which deal with protecting PHI and implementing security measures.