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MA02 Remark Code: Right to Appeal This Determination

MA02 is an informational alert. It tells you that if you disagree with the determination on this claim, you have the right to appeal, and that the appeal must be filed as a written request within the time limit given in the notice.

Quick facts

Code
MA02 (RARC MA02)
Status
Active In use since January 1, 1997; last modified April 1, 2007.
Code set
Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
Group codes
  • CO (Contractual Obligation): The provider carries the adjustment. MA02 indicates the determination can be challenged in writing.
  • PR (Patient Responsibility): The patient was assigned the amount. MA02 points to the appeal process if that determination is disputed.
Official description
Alert: If you do not agree with this determination, you have the right to appeal. You must file a written request for an appeal within 180 days of the date you receive this notice.
X12 Remittance Advice Remark Codes, retrieved September 25, 2026
Last verified
against the official X12 list.

What MA02 means

MA02 is an appeal-rights notice. It appears on remittances, mostly from Medicare contractors, when the payer wants you to know the determination can be challenged. Unlike MA01, it does not describe who reviews the appeal; it simply states the right to appeal and that the request must be written and filed within a time limit. The official text states 180 days, but you should confirm the limit that applies to your claim today, since appeal rules for different programs and levels differ.

On its own MA02 changes nothing about payment. The paired reason code is what you act on.

What to do

  1. Check the reason code. Decide whether the paired CARC reflects a result you disagree with.
  2. Separate errors from disputes. If you made a billing mistake, correct it through a reopening or replacement claim instead.
  3. Confirm the deadline. Ask the payer or check its appeal guidance for the current filing limit.
  4. File in writing. Include the claim number, the services disputed, why you disagree, and supporting records.

Learn how remark codes add context to reason codes in CARC and RARC denial analysis.

Codes that may appear with MA02

  • CO-50 (These are non-covered services because this is not deemed a 'medical necessity' by the payer.): A medical necessity determination is a typical decision that carries appeal rights.
  • PR-204 (This service/equipment/drug is not covered under the patient's current benefit plan): A benefit-plan exclusion may be disputed if you believe the service should be covered.
  • MA01 (Alert: If you do not agree with what we approved for these services, you may appeal our decision.): Medicare's appeal alert that describes an independent reviewer and a 120-day written request.
  • N210 (Alert: You may appeal this decision.): A short alert that the decision may be appealed, with no time frame stated.
  • N211 (Alert: You may not appeal this decision.): Tells you the decision may not be appealed.

MA02 FAQ

What deadline applies with MA02?

The official MA02 wording refers to a written request within 180 days of receiving the notice. Appeal deadlines can change and vary by program, so confirm the current limit with the payer before relying on it.

Is MA02 a denial?

No. It only describes appeal rights. The reason code on the same line explains what actually happened to the claim.

Can the patient appeal too?

Generally the beneficiary has appeal rights, and providers may have them depending on assignment and program rules. Check the notice for who may file.