N846Remark Code (RARC)Active
N846 Remark Code - National Drug Code Mismatch
The N846 remark code indicates that the National Drug Code (NDC) provided does not match the billed HCPCS/CPT code. This discrepancy suggests that the payer found an inconsistency between the medication billed and its associated NDC, which could affect reimbursement.
How It Relates to the Denial
The N846 remark typically accompanies adjustments related to medication billing where the Claim Adjustment Reason Code indicates a denial or reduction of payment due to billing errors. This combination signals that there is a specific mismatch between the NDC and the billed service.
Common Scenarios
1A pharmacy bills for a specific medication using a CPT code, and the remittance shows a denial with the N846 remark code.
→ In this case, the N846 is pointing out that the NDC submitted does not correspond to the CPT code used for billing, suggesting a need to verify the NDC is correct for the billed service.
2A provider submits a claim for a chemotherapy drug with the corresponding NDC, but the payer returns the claim with a reduction in payment and includes the N846 remark code.
→ Here, the N846 indicates that the NDC provided does not match the billed chemotherapy service, meaning the provider should check the accuracy of the NDC against the service billed.
3A claim for a vaccine administration includes an NDC, but the remittance indicates an adjustment with the N846 remark code.
→ This indicates that the NDC for the vaccine does not align with the HCPCS code billed for administration, prompting a review of the NDC to ensure it corresponds to the correct vaccine.
What to Do
- Verify that the NDC supplied matches the HCPCS/CPT code billed.
- Correct any discrepancies between the NDC and the billed service before resubmitting the claim.
- Consult with pharmacy records or drug databases to confirm the appropriate NDC for the billed service.
What to Check
- The claim submission details to confirm the NDC provided.
- The HCPCS/CPT code billed to ensure it aligns with the NDC.
- Pharmacy records or industry databases for accurate NDC information.