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N187 Remark Code: You May Request a Written Review

N187 is an informational alert. It tells the provider that a written review of the decision may be requested within the required time limits, following the instructions in the provider contract or the plan's benefit documents.

Quick facts

Code
N187 (RARC N187)
Status
Active In use since February 28, 2003; last modified April 1, 2007.
Code set
Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
Group codes
  • CO (Contractual Obligation): The adjustment stands unless a review changes it. N187 points to the process for challenging it.
  • PR (Patient Responsibility): If the amount was assigned to the patient, the member may also have review rights under the plan documents.
Official description
Alert: You may request a review in writing within the required time limits following receipt of this notice by following the instructions included in your contract or plan benefit documents.
X12 Remittance Advice Remark Codes, retrieved September 25, 2026
Last verified
against the official X12 list.

What N187 means

N187 does not explain why a claim was adjusted. It tells you what you can do about it. The payer is confirming that a written review is available, that it must be requested within a time limit, and that the instructions live in your provider contract or the member’s plan documents rather than on the remittance.

It is common on commercial and managed care remittances next to medical necessity, coverage, or authorization denials.

What to do

  1. Decide whether the underlying adjustment is worth contesting based on the paired CARC and the dollar amount.
  2. Locate the review process in your participation agreement or provider manual, including the deadline, address or portal, and any required form.
  3. Write a concise request that identifies the claim, states why the decision is wrong, and attaches supporting records.
  4. Calendar the deadline and the expected response time, then follow up if you hear nothing.

For choosing between an appeal and a corrected claim, see claim rejection vs. denial.

Codes that may appear with N187

  • CO-50 (These are non-covered services because this is not deemed a 'medical necessity' by the payer.): A medical necessity denial that may be contested through the review described in N187.
  • CO-96 (Non-covered charge(s).): Non-covered charges; N187 signals that a review can be requested if you believe coverage applies.
  • CO-197 (Precertification/authorization/notification/pre-treatment absent.): An authorization denial that can often be reviewed with supporting documentation.
  • N1 (Alert: You may appeal this decision in writing within the required time limits following receipt of this notice by following the instructions…): A near twin that says you may appeal in writing within required time limits.
  • N210 (Alert: You may appeal this decision.): A shorter alert saying the decision may be appealed.
  • N220 (Alert: See the payer's web site or contact the payer's Customer Service department to obtain forms and instructions for filing a provider dispute.): Points to the payer's website or customer service for provider dispute forms.

N187 FAQ

How long do I have to request the review?

The remark does not state a deadline. The time limit is set by your contract, the plan documents, or applicable law, so check those sources right away.

Is a review the same as an appeal?

Payers use different names, such as review, reconsideration, dispute, or appeal. Follow the terminology and steps in your contract or the plan's documents.

Do I have to act on N187?

Only if you disagree with the decision. If you accept it, post the adjustment and move on.