MA26Remark Code (RARC)ActiveInformational Alert
MA26 Remark Code - Informational Alert on Previous Rules
The MA26 remark code indicates that the payer is reminding the provider that they have previously communicated a specific rule or guideline related to the claim. This alert serves as a notification rather than indicating any adjustment or denial that needs to be addressed.
What This Alert Tells You
As an informational alert, the MA26 remark code does not accompany any specific adjustment or denial reason code. It simply reinforces that the provider should already be aware of the referenced rule based on prior communications from the payer.
Common Scenarios
1A provider notices the MA26 alert after submitting a claim for a service that is subject to specific billing rules. The claim returned with this remark without any associated denial.
→ The MA26 alert suggests that the provider should review their previous communications with the payer regarding the applicable rules for the billed service, as the payer is indicating that this information has already been shared.
2While reviewing a remittance, a biller sees the MA26 remark on a claim that was processed without issues, but the alert prompts them to check past communications.
→ The presence of the MA26 alert indicates that the payer expects the provider to be familiar with certain rules that may affect future submissions, based on prior notifications.
3A billing office receives the MA26 remark on an 835 for a routine service that has been billed consistently, yet the alert appears unexpectedly.
→ This alert serves as a reminder that the provider should already know about the established rules governing that service, which may not have changed since the last communication.
What to Do
- Do not take any action related to a denial or adjustment since this is an informational alert.
- Ensure that the relevant staff are aware of the previously communicated rules, so they can apply them in future claims submissions.
What to Check
- Previous correspondence from the payer regarding rules or guidelines related to the billed service.
- Provider manuals or updates from the payer that outline billing rules that have been communicated in the past.
- Internal notes or training materials that may reference the specific rule mentioned in the alert.