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N342 Remark Code: Test Performed Date Missing/Invalid

N342 means the date a test was performed was missing, incomplete, or invalid. Payers use the test date to confirm that a qualifying test supports the item or service billed and that it falls within the required time frame.

Quick facts

Code
N342 (RARC N342)
Status
Active In use since December 2, 2004.
Code set
Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
Group codes
  • CO (Contractual Obligation): The claim was denied for a correctable problem with the test date. The provider or supplier fixes it; the patient is not billed.
Official description
Missing/incomplete/invalid test performed date.
X12 Remittance Advice Remark Codes, retrieved September 25, 2026
Last verified
against the official X12 list.

What N342 means

Many coverage rules begin with a test. A sleep study may be required before a CPAP device, lab values before certain supplies or drugs, or imaging before a procedure. The payer checks not only that the test happened but when. N342 says the date the test was performed was not on the claim, was incomplete, or conflicted with the service dates.

It usually explains CARC 16. Payers that also want the result may add CARC 252 and ask for the report.

Common causes

  • Wrong date type. The order date, result date, or date the report was received was sent instead of the performance date.
  • Stale test. The test was too old for the payer’s policy window, and the payer treats the date as invalid.
  • Future date. A test scheduled but not yet done was entered ahead of time.
  • Field left blank. The supplier or practice had the report but the date never reached the claim data.
  • Multiple tests. The patient had repeat testing and the claim points to one that doesn’t meet policy.

How to fix it

  1. Pull the test report and identify the performance date printed on it, not the signature or transmittal date.
  2. Check the payer’s coverage policy for how recent the test must be and what result it must show.
  3. Correct the date in the field the payer specifies and include the report if the payer requires documentation.
  4. Resubmit as a corrected claim with frequency code 7 and the original claim number.
  5. If the test is outside the required window, a new test may be needed before the item or service can be billed.

How to prevent it

When a referral depends on a qualifying test, ask for the full report at intake and log its performance date. A simple rule in your system that compares the test date to the service date and the payer’s window will stop most N342 denials before submission.

Codes that may appear with N342

  • CO-16 (Claim/service lacks information or has submission/billing error(s).): Information is missing; N342 identifies the test performed date.
  • CO-252 (An attachment/other documentation is required to adjudicate this claim/service.): Documentation is required; the payer may want the test result along with the date.
  • N328 (Missing/incomplete/invalid Oxygen Saturation Test date.): A narrower code for the oxygen saturation test date on home oxygen claims.
  • N467 (Missing Tests and Analysis Report.): Used when the tests and analysis report itself is missing.
  • N326 (Missing/incomplete/invalid last x-ray date.): Covers a missing or invalid last x-ray date.

N342 FAQ

Is the test date the same as the date of service?

Usually not. The test is often done before the billed item or service, and the payer wants to know when, so it can check the result is recent enough.

Which tests does this apply to?

It depends on the payer. Examples include qualifying studies for DME, lab values that support a drug or supply, and diagnostic tests that must precede a procedure.

Can I use the date the result was reported?

Use the date the test was actually performed unless the payer specifies otherwise. Result or report dates can be days later.