Before contacting an insurer regarding a delinquent claim, which of the following must you have available?

Having the practice's tax identification number readily available before contacting an insurer about a delinquent claim is essential. This number is used to identify the healthcare provider or entity when billing for services. When you reach out to the insurer, they will require this identification to access the specific claim details related to the practice. It facilitates the claims process and ensures that the communication is connected directly to the associated healthcare provider, allowing for a more efficient resolution of the claim in question.

The other options listed do not provide the necessary information relevant to the claims process in this context. For example, the patient’s social security number may help identify the patient but is not typically required to inquire about a claim status. The spouse’s social security number and the insurance company's NPI are also not primary identifiers needed for this scenario, focusing instead on the tax identification number unique to the practice. This underscores the importance of the correct identifier when dealing with claims and insurers.