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MA95 Remark Code (Deactivated): NOC Narrative Missing

MA95 meant a not otherwise classified or unlisted procedure code was billed without a narrative description of the procedure on the claim. X12 deactivated it and suggested M51; N350 now specifically covers a missing NOC or unlisted description.

X12 deactivated RARCMA95 on January 1, 2004. Payers should no longer use it on new remittances, but it can still appear on older ERAs, corrected claims, and appeals.

Code: MA95 (RARC MA95)
Status: Deactivated StoppedJanuary 1, 2004 (in use since January 1, 1997).
Code set: Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
Group codes: CO (Contractual Obligation): Paired with CO missing-information adjustments; the provider had to supply the description.
Official description: A not otherwise classified or unlisted procedure code(s) was billed but a narrative description of the procedure was not entered on the claim. Refer to item 19 on the HCFA-1500.
X12 Remittance Advice Remark Codes, retrieved September 25, 2026
Last verified: September 24, 2026 against the official X12 list.

What MA95 meant

Unlisted and not otherwise classified codes do not describe a specific service on their own, so payers need a written description to price them. Remark MA95 said the claim used such a code but left out that description. The official text directed paper billers to item 19 of the claim form then in use.

What replaced it

X12’s note suggested M51. M51 is a general remark for a missing or invalid procedure code. A more precise active choice is N350, which specifically covers a missing or invalid description of service for NOC, unlisted, or by-report codes. If a specific code exists and an unlisted one was billed, payers use CARC CO-189.

If you still see MA95

It only exists in older remittances. For a current rejection, add a concise description in the claim’s line note or equivalent field, attach documentation if the payer requires it, and resubmit.

M51 (Missing/incomplete/invalid procedure code(s).): The suggested replacement: missing, incomplete, or invalid procedure code.
N350 (Missing/incomplete/invalid description of service for a Not Otherwise Classified (NOC) code or for an Unlisted/By Report procedure.): Missing, incomplete, or invalid description of service for a NOC code or an unlisted or by-report procedure.
CO-189 ('Not otherwise classified' or 'unlisted' procedure code (CPT/HCPCS) was billed when there is a specific procedure code for this procedure/service): An unlisted code was billed when a specific code exists.

MA95 FAQ

Where did the narrative go on paper claims?

The official text pointed to item 19 of the older HCFA-1500 form. Electronic claims use a note or description field; check the payer's companion guide.

What should the narrative include?

A clear description of what was done or supplied, and for drugs or items often the name, dose, or quantity, so the payer can price the service.

Important: read before using this information

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