> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dso.getlemma.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# RARC codes (Remittance Advice Remark Codes)
> The high-frequency N-series and M-series remark codes, and how RARCs qualify CARCs.
**Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARCs)** provide additional explanation for an adjustment, or convey information that doesn't fit a CARC. They appear in the `LQ` segment of the 835.
RARCs are maintained by CMS on behalf of the industry and the list is updated periodically. This page covers the high-frequency working set. The authoritative list is published at [x12.org/codes/remittance-advice-remark-codes](https://x12.org/codes/remittance-advice-remark-codes). Check it for codes not listed here and for current definitions.
## What RARCs do
RARCs fall into two types:
| Type | Prefix | Purpose |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Supplemental** | `M`, `N` | Explains an adjustment further, always alongside a CARC |
| **Informational** | `Alert:` prefix in the description | Conveys information without an adjustment |
A RARC can supply the detail missing from a general CARC. CARC 16 says that information is missing, while the accompanying RARC may identify the exact field or document the payer needs.
Read the RARC before working CARC 16, 96, 125, or 252. Those CARCs are broad, and the RARC may provide the specific reason or requested information.
## High-frequency N-series
| RARC | Meaning |
| -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **N4** | Missing/incomplete/invalid prior insurance carrier EOB |
| N19 | Procedure code incidental to the primary procedure |
| N20 | Service not payable with other service rendered the same day |
| N30 | Patient ineligible for this service |
| N54 | Claim information is inconsistent with pre-certified/authorized services |
| N56 | Procedure code billed is not correct/valid for the services billed or the date of service |
| **N130** | Consult plan benefit documents/guidelines for information about restrictions; the RARC that often accompanies frequency limits and other benefit-design adjustments |
| N179 | Additional information has been requested from the member |
| N180 | This item or service does not meet the criteria for the category under which it was billed |
| **N210** | You may appeal this decision |
| **N211** | You may not appeal this decision |
| N290 | Missing/incomplete/invalid rendering provider primary identifier |
| N291 | Missing/incomplete/invalid rendering provider secondary identifier |
| **N347** | Your claim for a referred or purchased service cannot be paid because payment has already been made for this same service to another provider |
| N362 | The number of days or units of service exceeds our acceptable maximum |
| N381 | Consult our contractual agreement for restrictions/billing/payment information |
| N418 | Misrouted claim, see the payer's claims submission instructions |
| N448 | This drug/service/supply is not included in the fee schedule or contracted/legislated fee arrangement |
| N522 | Duplicate of a claim processed or in process as a crossover/coordination of benefits claim |
| N657 | This should be billed with the appropriate code for these services |
## High-frequency M-series
| RARC | Meaning |
| -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **M15** | Separately billed services/tests have been bundled as they are considered components of the same procedure |
| M20 | Missing/incomplete/invalid HCPCS; crossover claims only |
| M25 | The information furnished does not substantiate the need for this level of service |
| M51 | Missing/incomplete/invalid procedure code(s) |
| **M54** | Missing/incomplete/invalid total charges |
| M67 | Missing/incomplete/invalid other procedure code(s) |
| M76 | Missing/incomplete/invalid diagnosis or condition |
| **M77** | Missing/incomplete/invalid/inappropriate place of service |
| M79 | Missing/incomplete/invalid charges on the claim |
| **M80** | Not covered when performed during the same session/date as a previously processed service for the patient |
| M81 | You are required to code to the highest level of specificity |
| M127 | Missing patient medical record for this service. In dental, this often indicates that the payer wants charting or radiographs |
| MA04 | Secondary payment cannot be considered without the identity of, or payment information from, the primary payer |
| **MA13** | Alert: you may be subject to penalties if you bill the patient for amounts not reported with patient responsibility group code |
| MA61 | Missing/incomplete/invalid Social Security number or health insurance claim number |
| MA130 | Your claim contains incomplete and/or invalid information; no appeal rights, submit a new claim |
**MA130** reports an incomplete or invalid claim with no appeal rights. Correct the issue and submit a new claim promptly so the filing window does not expire.
**MA13** is a warning that billing the patient for a non-PR amount can carry penalties. If you see it, check your group code mapping.
## Appeal rights signals
Two RARCs tell you directly whether an appeal is available:
| RARC | Meaning |
| --------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **N210** | **You may appeal this decision** |
| **N211** | **You may not appeal this decision** |
| **MA130** | Incomplete/invalid, **no appeal rights**; submit a new claim |
Check these codes before starting an appeal.
## Working with RARCs
CARC 16, 96, 125, and 252 are generic by design.
N210, N211, MA130 determine whether an appeal is even available.
"CARC 16" is not a root cause. "CARC 16 / N290, missing rendering provider NPI" is.
Do not guess at a RARC's meaning. The authoritative list is public.