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N927 Remark Code: Missing or Invalid X-Ray

N927 means an x-ray the payer needed to adjudicate the service was missing, incomplete, or invalid. The remark does not name a specific type of image, so check the payer's policy for the service to see which radiograph supports it.

Quick facts

Code
N927 (RARC N927)
Status
Active In use since July 1, 2026.
Code set
Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
Group codes
  • CO (Contractual Obligation): The unpaid amount while the x-ray is outstanding or unacceptable. Supplying images is the provider's responsibility, so the patient is not billed.
Official description
Missing/Incomplete/Invalid x-ray.
X12 Remittance Advice Remark Codes, retrieved September 25, 2026
Last verified
against the official X12 list.

What N927 means

Payers use radiographs to confirm that a service was needed. In dentistry that often means showing decay, bone loss, or a fracture. On some medical claims, imaging supports the diagnosis behind a treatment. N927 is the general-purpose remark for an x-ray problem: the payer needed an image and either got none or could not use what it got.

Because N927 is broad, the first job is to find out what the payer expected. More specific codes exist for bitewings, periapicals, full-mouth series, and pre- or post-operative images. When the payer uses N927 instead, its policy for the service usually tells you more.

Common causes

  • No image was attached to the claim or the attachment did not transmit.
  • The image was too dark, cut off, or did not show the area treated.
  • Patient name, date taken, or tooth or body area was not identifiable.
  • The image was older than the payer accepts.

How to fix it

  1. Check the payer’s policy for the procedure to identify the required image.
  2. Choose a diagnostic-quality image that clearly shows the area treated, labeled with patient name and date.
  3. Send it through the payer’s attachment method, such as an electronic attachment service or portal, referencing the claim.
  4. Request reprocessing or resubmit as directed.

How to prevent it

Keep a payer-by-procedure list of imaging requirements, and attach images at claim creation for services that routinely need them.

Codes that may appear with N927

  • CO-252 (An attachment/other documentation is required to adjudicate this claim/service.): An attachment is required to adjudicate the claim; N927 identifies it as an x-ray.
  • CO-251 (The attachment/other documentation that was received was incomplete or deficient.): The attachment received was incomplete or deficient.
  • CO-16 (Claim/service lacks information or has submission/billing error(s).): The claim lacks information needed for adjudication.
  • N928 (Missing/Incomplete/Invalid bitewing or periapical x-ray.): Names bitewing or periapical images specifically.
  • N934 (Missing/Incomplete/Invalid full mouth x-ray.): Names a full mouth x-ray series specifically.
  • N940 (Missing/Incomplete/Invalid pre- and/or post-operative x-ray.): Requires x-rays from before and/or after the procedure.
  • MA121 (Missing/incomplete/invalid x-ray date.): The x-ray date, not the image itself, is missing or invalid.

N927 FAQ

How do I know which x-ray the payer wants?

Look at the payer's clinical policy for the procedure billed. It usually lists the imaging needed. If it is unclear, call the payer before resending.

What makes an x-ray invalid?

Common issues are poor diagnostic quality, a missing date or patient name, images of the wrong area, or images too old to reflect the current condition.

Can I send a copy instead of the original?

Yes. Payers expect digital images or duplicates. Never send your only original film.