Remark code N287 indicates an issue with a missing or incorrect secondary identifier for the referring provider.
Remark code N287 indicates that the claim has been flagged due to a missing, incomplete, or invalid secondary identifier for the referring provider. This means that the information necessary to properly identify the healthcare professional who referred the patient for services or supplies is either not present, is not complete, or does not match the required format or data standards. To resolve this issue, the healthcare provider must review the claim, correct the secondary identifier information for the referring provider, and resubmit the claim for processing.
Common causes of code N287 are:
1. The claim was submitted without the necessary secondary identifier for the referring provider, such as a taxonomy code or unique provider identification number (UPIN).
2. The secondary identifier provided on the claim is incorrect or does not match the records on file with the payer.
3. The claim form may have been filled out improperly, with the secondary identifier placed in the wrong field or formatted incorrectly.
4. The referring provider's information may not have been updated in the payer's system, leading to a mismatch when the claim is processed.
5. There may be a discrepancy between the referring provider's primary and secondary identifiers, causing confusion during the claim adjudication process.
6. The electronic claim submission may have experienced a technical issue that resulted in the secondary identifier being dropped or corrupted.
7. The payer's requirements for secondary identifiers may have changed, and the information was not updated before claim submission.
8. The claim may have been submitted with outdated or expired provider information, including the secondary identifier.
Ways to mitigate code N287 include implementing a thorough verification process for all provider information before claim submission. This can involve double-checking the referring provider's National Provider Identifier (NPI) and any other required secondary identifiers to ensure they are current and accurately recorded in the billing system. Training staff to recognize and properly record these identifiers, as well as utilizing automated software solutions that flag missing or invalid data, can also help prevent this code from occurring. Regularly updating provider databases and conducting internal audits of claims prior to submission can further reduce the risk of encountering code N287.
The steps to address code N287 involve verifying and updating the referring provider's information. First, review the claim to identify the missing or incorrect secondary identifier, such as a taxonomy code or unique provider identification number (UPIN). Next, obtain the correct secondary identifier by consulting the provider's enrollment records or contacting their office directly. Update the claim with the accurate information and resubmit it to the payer. Ensure that your billing system is configured to include all necessary provider identifiers on future claims to prevent recurrence of this issue.
Get paid in full by bringing clarity to your revenue cycle
Subscribe to the
Healthcare Clarified newsletter
Get the latest insights on RCM and healthcare policy in your inbox
