The 834 EDI file is organized into segments and data elements, where data elements contain a data field while the segment contains one data element. Within a data element – you will find the date of the transaction, type of insurance plan, premium amount, as well as coverage details.

The EDI 834 file follows a specific order of loops and segments. It starts with standardized header information using the ST, BGN, HIER, and NM1 segments. Then come the member, dependent and payer loops. The film ends with the TRA, SE, and GE trailer segments.

An example layout of an X12 834 Version 005010 file is shown below. Each line starts with a code to identify the type of data that follows, with individual pieces of data separated by an asterisk. The tilde indicates the end of that section.