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N677 Remark Code: Films and Images Won't Be Returned

N677 is an informational alert that the payer will not return any films or images submitted with the claim. It is not a denial; it simply tells you to keep your own originals and send copies.

Code: N677 (RARC N677)
Status: Active In use since November 1, 2013.
Code set: Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
Group codes: OA (Other Adjustment): N677 is often informational and may appear without affecting payment. Any adjustment on the line comes from the accompanying reason code, not from this alert.
Official description: Alert: Films/Images will not be returned.
X12 Remittance Advice Remark Codes, retrieved September 25, 2026
Last verified: September 24, 2026 against the official X12 list.

What N677 means

Dental plans, and some medical payers, ask for radiographs, photographs, or other images to support claims for certain services. N677 is the payer’s notice that whatever images you sent become part of its file and won’t be mailed back. It shows up most often on dental remittances.

What to do

Keep originals in the patient record. Send duplicates or digital copies, never your only set.
Label every image with the patient’s name, date taken, and tooth number or body area, so it can’t be separated from the claim.
Check the line’s reason code. N677 doesn’t change payment by itself, but the claim may still carry a denial or request for other documentation.
Use electronic attachments where the payer supports them. They are faster, traceable, and avoid lost films.

If records rules require you to keep the original images for a set period, sending the originals to a payer could leave a gap in your records. Duplicates solve that.

Codes that may appear with N677

CO-252 (An attachment/other documentation is required to adjudicate this claim/service.): An attachment is required to adjudicate the claim; N677 notes that image attachments won't be sent back.

N40 (Missing radiology film(s)/image(s).): Radiology films or images were required but missing.
N242 (Incomplete/invalid radiology film(s)/image(s).): Radiology films or images were received but incomplete or invalid.
N678 (Missing post-operative images/visual field results.): Post-operative images or visual field results are missing.

N677 FAQ

Do I need to do anything after N677?

Only make sure you still have the originals or a digital copy in the patient's record. Look at the reason code on the line to see whether the claim itself needs action.

What if I sent my only copy of the films?

Contact the payer promptly and ask whether it can return them or provide a copy. Going forward, send duplicates or digital images.

Can I submit images electronically instead?

Many payers accept digital images through an attachment vendor, portal, or electronic attachment process. Check the payer's instructions.

Important: read before using this information

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