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N892 Remark Code: Delay Reason Code Not Accepted

N892 means the claim does not meet the payer's criteria for using the delay reason code you reported. The payer did not accept your explanation for filing late, so the claim is usually treated as untimely.

Quick facts

Code
N892 (RARC N892)
Status
Active In use since November 1, 2023.
Code set
Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
Group codes
  • CO (Contractual Obligation): The amount denied for late filing. It is generally a provider write-off and not billable to the patient.
Official description
The claim does not meet the criteria for acceptable use of the Delay Reason Code.
X12 Remittance Advice Remark Codes, retrieved September 25, 2026
Last verified
against the official X12 list.

What N892 means

Every payer sets a timely filing limit. Some, especially Medicaid programs, allow exceptions when the delay was not the provider’s fault. On electronic claims, you signal that exception with a delay reason code.

N892 means the payer looked at the code you sent and decided the claim does not qualify. Once the exception is rejected, the claim falls back under the regular filing limit, which usually means a timely filing denial.

Common causes

  • The delay reason code does not match what happened, for example claiming an eligibility delay when eligibility was active on the date of service.
  • Required supporting documentation was not attached or referenced.
  • The claim was filed too long after the event that caused the delay, such as the date retroactive eligibility was granted.
  • The code was used on a claim that was never actually late.

How to fix it

  1. Review the payer’s delay reason criteria and match them to your facts.
  2. Gather proof: retroactive eligibility letters, authorization dates, prior payer remittances, or other dated records.
  3. Submit a corrected claim (frequency code 7) with the right code and documentation if the payer allows it, or file an appeal with the evidence.
  4. Write off the charge if the delay does not qualify.

How to prevent it

Track claims held for eligibility or third-party delays and file them as soon as the delay ends. See timely filing denials for workflow tips.

Codes that may appear with N892

  • CO-29 (The time limit for filing has expired.): The time limit for filing has expired; N892 explains that the delay reason did not rescue it.
  • N921 (The time limit for filing a reconsideration or appeal has expired.): The deadline for a reconsideration or appeal, not the original claim, has expired.
  • CO-B4 (Late filing penalty.): A late filing penalty that reduces payment rather than denying it.
  • CO-286 (Appeal time limits not met): Appeal time limits were not met.

N892 FAQ

What is a delay reason code?

It is a code reported on an electronic claim to explain why the claim is being filed after the normal deadline, for example a delay in eligibility determination, authorization delays, or delays by a third party. Medicaid programs use them most.

Why would the payer reject it?

Typical reasons are a code that does not fit the facts, missing proof, or a claim filed too long after the delay ended. Each payer publishes its own criteria.

Can I appeal an N892 denial?

Yes, if you have documentation showing the delay qualifies under the payer's rules, such as a retroactive eligibility notice or a prior payer's remittance dated within the allowed window.