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N136 Remark Code: Arizona Appeal Information Alert

N136 is an informational alert used on Arizona claims. It tells the recipient how to get information about the appeal process by contacting the Arizona Department of Insurance's Consumer Assistance Office, whose phone numbers appear in the official remark text.

Quick facts

Code
N136 (RARC N136)
Status
Active In use since October 31, 2002; last modified April 1, 2007.
Code set
Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
Group codes
  • OA (Other Adjustment): The alert carries no payment meaning. Liability on the claim is set by the reason codes on the lines.
  • CO (Contractual Obligation): If a line was denied as provider liability, N136 simply adds where to learn about appeal options.
Official description
Alert: To obtain information on the process to file an appeal in Arizona, call the Department's Consumer Assistance Office at (602) 912-8444 or (800) 325-2548.
X12 Remittance Advice Remark Codes, retrieved September 25, 2026
Last verified
against the official X12 list.

What N136 means

Some states require health plans to tell members and providers where to get help with appeals. N136 is the Arizona version of that notice. It points to the consumer assistance office of the state’s insurance regulator for information about how appeals work.

The alert does not change the claim. It appears so that anyone reviewing the decision knows where state-level help is available.

What to do

  1. Review the reason codes on the claim to see whether anything was denied or reduced.
  2. If you plan to dispute a decision, start with the payer’s appeal process and its deadlines.
  3. Use the state contact if you need help understanding appeal rights under Arizona law, or if the payer’s process is unclear.
  4. Keep the remittance with any appeal file, since it documents the notice you received.

The CARC and RARC guide explains how alerts like this one relate to the reason codes that actually drive payment.

Codes that may appear with N136

  • CO-50 (These are non-covered services because this is not deemed a 'medical necessity' by the payer.): A medical necessity denial, one of the decisions a provider or member might want to appeal.
  • CO-96 (Non-covered charge(s).): A non-covered charge that may be disputed through the appeal process.
  • N137 (Alert: The provider acting on the Member's behalf, may file an appeal with the Payer.): Explains that a provider can appeal on the member's behalf and, for urgent care, go to the state regulator first.
  • N210 (Alert: You may appeal this decision.): A general alert that the decision can be appealed.
  • N1 (Alert: You may appeal this decision in writing within the required time limits following receipt of this notice by following the instructions…): A general alert describing written appeal rights and time limits.

N136 FAQ

Does N136 mean the claim was denied?

No. It is state-required appeal information and can appear on any remittance for an Arizona-regulated plan. Look at the reason codes to see what happened to the claim.

Should I call the state before appealing to the payer?

The Consumer Assistance Office can explain the process, but most disputes start with the payer's own appeal procedure. Use the state's information to understand your options.

Where are the phone numbers?

They are in the official remark text shown on this page and on your remittance. Confirm them before calling, since contact details can change.