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N140 Remark Code: Not an Authorized OCONUS Provider

N140 is an alert that the provider has not been designated as an authorized OCONUS (outside the continental United States) provider, so it is not an appropriate appealing party. It can appeal the Dental Advisor's opinion only if the beneficiary appoints it in writing as representative, within 90 days of the letter.

Quick facts

Code
N140 (RARC N140)
Status
Active In use since October 31, 2002; last modified April 1, 2007.
Code set
Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
Group codes
  • PR (Patient Responsibility): A reduced or denied amount may fall to the beneficiary, who retains the right to appeal.
  • OA (Other Adjustment): The alert itself is procedural and does not set liability.
Official 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 information to the subscriber's Dental insurance carrier within 90 days from the date of this letter.
X12 Remittance Advice Remark Codes, retrieved September 25, 2026
Last verified
against the official X12 list.

What N140 means

Military dental benefits can cover beneficiaries living or stationed overseas. Within that program, only providers designated as authorized OCONUS providers can appeal decisions directly. N140 tells an overseas dentist without that status that its appeal will not be accepted in its own name.

The remedy is representation. If the beneficiary gives written appointment, the dentist can challenge the Dental Advisor’s opinion on their behalf.

What to do

  1. Explain the decision to the beneficiary and confirm they want to pursue an appeal.
  2. Obtain the written appointment before preparing the appeal.
  3. Prepare a signed statement describing where you disagree with the advisor, and gather supporting information such as images and chart notes.
  4. Send everything within 90 days of the letter date to the subscriber’s dental carrier, and keep proof of the mailing date.

Because overseas mail can be slow, start the appointment and appeal steps as soon as the letter arrives.

Codes that may appear with N140

  • CO-216 (Based on the findings of a review organization or the payer's findings.): The adjustment rests on a review finding, such as the Dental Advisor's opinion.
  • CO-158 (Service/procedure was provided outside of the United States.): Service was provided outside the United States, the setting in which OCONUS status matters.
  • N139 (Alert: Under 32 CFR 199.13, a non-participating provider is not an appropriate appealing party.): The parallel rule for non-participating providers in the TRICARE dental program.
  • N138 (Alert: In the event you disagree with the Dental Advisor's opinion and have additional information relative to the case, you may submit radiographs…): Explains how to seek a second Dental Advisor review.

N140 FAQ

What does OCONUS mean?

Outside the continental United States. Military dental programs designate certain overseas providers as authorized, and those providers have direct appeal rights.

What goes in the appeal?

The remark lists a copy of the letter, a signed statement explaining your disagreement, and any relevant information, sent to the subscriber's dental carrier.

How can a provider become an authorized OCONUS provider?

Contact the overseas program administrator for the dental plan to learn whether designation is available in your area and what it requires.