N205Remark Code (RARC)Active
Effective 06/30/2003 · Updated 03/14/2014

N205 Remark Code - Information Illegible

The N205 remark code indicates that the information provided on the claim was illegible. This remark supplements an adjustment already described by the accompanying reason code, pointing out that the clarity of the documentation is a factor in the payer's decision.

How It Relates to the Denial

Typically, the N205 remark appears alongside adjustment reason codes that address issues with claim submissions or documentation. The combination signals that the payer could not process the claim due to unclear or unreadable information.

Common Scenarios

1A provider submitted a claim for a procedure but received a denial indicating payment was adjusted due to insufficient documentation. The remittance includes the N205 remark code.
→ In this case, the N205 remark suggests that the documentation submitted was not clear enough for the payer to make a determination. The expectation is that clearer documentation is needed for resubmission.
2A billing office submitted a claim for a patient visit, but the remittance advises that the claim has been denied due to an adjustment for illegible information. The N205 code appears with a corresponding reason code for documentation issues.
→ Here, the N205 remark highlights that the payer could not read the information provided. The billing office should ensure that all future submissions are legible to avoid similar issues.
3A claim for lab tests was submitted, and the remittance response includes an adjustment with the N205 remark code indicating illegibility of the information provided.
→ The N205 remark in this scenario indicates that the lab test details were not clear enough for processing. The payer is signaling that clearer documentation is essential for approval.

What to Do

  1. Review the claim documentation for clarity and readability.
  2. Ensure all required fields are filled out clearly before resubmitting the claim.
  3. Consider using clearer fonts or formats for printed documents.

What to Check

  • The original claim submission for legibility issues.
  • Any supporting documentation submitted with the claim.
  • The payer's guidelines on documentation requirements to ensure compliance.