Which component of the 837P/CMS-1500 claim form identifies the practitioner who provided the services?

The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique identification number assigned to healthcare providers in the United States. It is essential for identifying the practitioner who provided specific services on the 837P/CMS-1500 claim form. The NPI ensures that providers can be accurately recognized in electronic health care transactions, facilitating clear communication between healthcare entities such as healthcare providers, insurers, and other relevant organizations.

Using the NPI allows for simplified claims processing and reduces the likelihood of errors that can occur with name-based identification. By including the NPI on the claim form, healthcare providers ensure that their identity and qualifications are recognized and verified, which is critical for billing and reimbursement processes.

Other options do not serve the same purpose. For instance, the facility billing code relates to the location where services were provided rather than the individual practitioner. The patient account number is used for tracking the patient's billing within a specific facility, while the insurance policy number identifies the coverage rather than the provider. Hence, the NPI is the correct component that specifically identifies the practitioner associated with the services rendered.