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N220 Remark Code: Where to Get Provider Dispute Forms

N220 is an alert telling the provider to visit the payer's website or contact its Customer Service department to get the forms and instructions for filing a provider dispute about this claim.

Quick facts

Code
N220 (RARC N220)
Status
Active In use since August 1, 2004; last modified April 1, 2007.
Code set
Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
Group codes
  • CO (Contractual Obligation): The adjustment stands unless you file a dispute. N220 tells you where to get the paperwork.
  • OA (Other Adjustment): Any other adjustment on the claim can also be challenged through the dispute process if you have grounds.
Official description
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.
X12 Remittance Advice Remark Codes, retrieved September 25, 2026
Last verified
against the official X12 list.

What N220 means

N220 is a signpost. It says that if you disagree with how the claim was handled, the forms and instructions for a provider dispute are available on the payer’s website or from its customer service team. It does not describe the problem with the claim; the paired CARC does that.

The alert is common with payers that have a formal dispute process, sometimes required by state law, for contracted and non-contracted providers.

What to do

  1. Decide whether the adjustment is worth disputing by reviewing the CARC, the amount, and your contract.
  2. Download the payer’s current dispute form or open the portal dispute workflow.
  3. Complete it with the claim number, the specific lines in question, the outcome you are asking for, and supporting documents.
  4. Submit within the payer’s time limit and keep proof of submission.

Codes that may appear with N220

  • CO-45 (Charge exceeds fee schedule/maximum allowable or contracted/legislated fee arrangement.): A fee-schedule reduction that providers sometimes dispute if they believe the rate is wrong.
  • CO-97 (The benefit for this service is included in the payment/allowance for another service/procedure that has already been adjudicated.): A bundling decision that may be contested through a provider dispute.
  • CO-50 (These are non-covered services because this is not deemed a 'medical necessity' by the payer.): A medical necessity denial that can be disputed with clinical documentation.
  • N210 (Alert: You may appeal this decision.): Alert that the decision may be appealed.
  • N187 (Alert: You may request a review in writing within the required time limits following receipt of this notice by following the instructions included…): Alert that a written review can be requested within required time limits.
  • N202 (Alert: Additional information/explanation will be sent separately.): Alert that additional information will be sent separately.

N220 FAQ

Is a provider dispute the same as an appeal?

Payers use different terms. Some reserve dispute for payment and contract disagreements and appeal for coverage decisions. The payer's instructions define which process applies.

Is there a deadline for disputes?

Usually yes, but it is not in the remark. The payer's forms, provider manual, or your contract will state it.

Do I have to use the payer's form?

Many payers require their form or portal for disputes to be accepted. Using the payer's channel avoids delays.