Remark code N290 indicates an issue with a provider's primary identifier, such as missing or incorrect details.
Remark code N290 indicates that the claim submitted lacks a complete and valid identifier for the rendering provider, which is the individual or entity that delivered the service. This could mean that the necessary information is either not present on the claim, is incomplete, or is incorrect, and needs to be addressed for proper claim processing.
Common causes of code N290 are:
1. The provider's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is not included on the claim.
2. The NPI provided on the claim does not match the NPI registered with the payer.
3. The claim form has incorrect or missing information in the field designated for the rendering provider's NPI.
4. The rendering provider's NPI is not linked to the billing provider's NPI in the payer's system.
5. The claim was submitted with an outdated or deactivated NPI for the rendering provider.
6. The rendering provider's NPI is not properly credentialed or enrolled with the payer for the services billed.
7. The claim was submitted without the required qualifier indicating the type of identifier being used for the rendering provider.
Ways to mitigate code N290 include implementing a robust verification process for provider information before claim submission. Ensure that all claims include the correct National Provider Identifier (NPI) for the rendering provider. Regularly train billing staff on the importance of accurate data entry and establish a system of checks and balances to catch errors. Utilize electronic health record (EHR) systems that automatically populate provider identifiers and flag missing or incorrect information. Additionally, conduct periodic audits of claims to identify and rectify any patterns that may lead to this code being generated.
The steps to address code N290 involve verifying and updating the provider information in the claim submission. First, review the claim to identify the missing or incorrect information regarding the rendering provider's primary identifier, which typically refers to the National Provider Identifier (NPI). Ensure that the NPI is correctly entered without typos or omissions.
Next, check that the NPI matches the provider's information on file with the payer and that it is appropriately linked to the service performed. If the NPI is correct but the claim was still denied, it may be necessary to confirm that the provider's enrollment with the payer is current and that their credentials are up to date.
If the NPI was indeed missing or incorrect, correct the information on the claim form. Once the necessary corrections are made, resubmit the claim to the payer for processing. Keep a record of the correction and resubmission to track the claim's progress and to prevent similar issues in future billing cycles. It's also advisable to review your practice's claim submission processes to ensure that such errors are minimized going forward.