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N140
Claim Adjustment Reason Code CARC / 835 ERA

N140 Denial Code — Meaning, Causes & Resolution Guide

Official CARC Description Alert: You have not been designated as an authorized OCONUS provider therefore are not considered an appropriate appealing party. If the beneficiary has appointed you, in writing, to act as his/her representative and you disagree with the Dental Advisor's opinion, you may appeal by submitting a copy of this letter, a signed statement explaining the matter in which you disagree, and any relevant i
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📋What Does N140 Mean? A Full Explanation

Denial code N140 is a Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC) used on the 835 electronic remittance advice and Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to communicate why a claim or service line was adjusted from the billed amount. This code is standardized by X12 and used consistently by Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers across all HIPAA-compliant transactions.

When this code appears on your remittance, it signals a specific issue that caused the payer to pay a different amount than billed. Identifying the root cause tied to this code is the first step toward correcting the claim, resubmitting, or filing an appeal to recover lost reimbursement.

⚠️Common Reasons You Received Denial Code N140

  • Missing, invalid, or incomplete information on the claim
  • Billing code mismatch or modifier inconsistency
  • Service not covered under the patient's plan on the date of service
  • Authorization or referral not obtained prior to treatment
  • Duplicate claim submission or previously adjudicated service

How to Resolve and Fix a N140 Denial

  • 1Review the full ERA/EOB for any accompanying Remark Codes (RARC) which provide additional detail about the specific issue.
  • 2Verify the patient's eligibility, coverage, and benefits for the date of service in question.
  • 3Identify and correct any claim errors — wrong codes, missing modifiers, incorrect dates, or missing authorization numbers.
  • 4Gather supporting documentation (medical records, auth, referral, ABN) required for appeal or corrected claim.
  • 5Resubmit a corrected claim or file a formal appeal with the payer within their specified deadline (typically 90–180 days).

💰Who Pays? Financial Responsibility for Code N140

The Group Code paired with N140 on the remittance determines who is financially responsible for the adjusted amount. Always check the accompanying Group Code before billing the patient or writing off the balance.

With Group Code
CO
Provider write-off — patient is NOT responsible
With Group Code
PR
Patient owes — copay, deductible, or coinsurance
With Group Code
OA
Other — no standard CO or PR responsibility applies

📨How to Appeal a N140 Claim Denial Effectively

Appealing a N140 denial requires a timely, well-documented response. Most payers require appeals within 30 to 180 days of the remittance date — missing this window typically results in a final denial. Start by reviewing the payer's provider manual for the specific appeal process and required forms.

Your appeal package should include a clear cover letter referencing the original claim number and denial date, corrected claim information if applicable, relevant medical records or clinical notes supporting medical necessity, and copies of the original claim and remittance advice. Submit via certified mail or the payer portal and retain confirmation of receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions — Denial Code N140

What does denial code N140 mean on an EOB?
Alert: You have not been designated as an authorized OCONUS provider therefore are not considered an appropriate appealing party. If the beneficiary has appointed you, in writing, to act as his/her representative and you disagree with the Dental Advisor's opinion, you may appeal by submitting a copy of this letter, a signed statement explaining the matter in which you disagree, and any relevant i
Can a N140 denial be appealed?
Yes — most denials tied to N140 can be appealed with proper documentation submitted within the payer's appeal deadline. Review the Group Code on the remittance first to understand who bears financial responsibility.
How long do I have to appeal a N140 denial?
Medicare requires appeals within 120 days of the remittance date. Commercial payers typically allow 90–180 days. Check your specific payer's provider manual for exact deadlines.
Is N140 a patient responsibility or provider write-off?
It depends on the Group Code paired with N140. CO = contractual write-off (provider absorbs), PR = patient owes the balance, OA = other adjustment (review case by case).
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical billing advice. CARC codes and their interpretations may be updated. Always refer to the official X12 CARC list and your payer's guidelines.