What information is indicated in Box 17 regarding the referring physician?

In Box 17 of the CMS-1500 form, the information provided pertains specifically to the referring physician. This box is used to list the name and National Provider Identifier (NPI) of the referring physician, which is crucial for processing the claim and ensuring that the services rendered are properly attributed to the healthcare provider who initiated the patient’s referral.

Including the referring physician’s name and NPI helps insurance companies verify the legitimacy of the referral, identify the primary care provider involved in the patient's care, and process payments accurately. This information plays an essential role in coordinating care and ensuring compliance with insurance policies regarding referrals, particularly when there are rules in place mandating that specialists receive referrals from primary care providers.

The other options do not accurately describe the functions of Box 17, as it does not pertain to diagnosis codes, referral dates, types of service, or the patient's medical history. Each of these details is recorded in other parts of the CMS-1500 form, illustrating the unique role that each specific box plays in the context of medical billing and insurance claims.