N176Remark Code (RARC)Active
N176 Remark Code - Services Aboard Ships Coverage
The N176 remark code indicates that services rendered aboard a ship are only covered when the ship is registered in the United States and is located in United States waters. Furthermore, the services must be performed by a physician licensed to practice in the United States.
How It Relates to the Denial
This remark code typically accompanies claim adjustment reason codes related to service location and provider eligibility. The combination suggests that the claim has been denied or adjusted due to non-compliance with these specific coverage requirements.
Common Scenarios
1A patient received medical treatment aboard a cruise ship while traveling in international waters, and the claim was submitted for reimbursement.
→ The N176 remark code signals that the claim is not covered because the ship was not registered in the United States or was outside U.S. waters.
2A claim was submitted for a physician's services provided on a vessel registered in the U.S., but the physician was licensed in another country.
→ The presence of N176 indicates that the services are not covered because the physician does not hold a U.S. medical license, despite the ship's registration.
3A medical claim for services provided to passengers on a U.S. registered ferry was denied.
→ The N176 remark suggests that the ferry was not in U.S. waters at the time the services were provided, resulting in a denial.
What to Do
- Verify the ship's registration status to confirm it is U.S. registered.
- Ensure the services were provided while the ship was in U.S. waters.
- Check that the billing provider is a physician licensed in the United States.
What to Check
- The provider's license verification to confirm U.S. licensure.
- Documentation proving the ship's registration and operational status.
- Claim submission records to verify service location at the time of treatment.