196 Denial Code (Deactivated) – Use 136

196 is a retired claim adjustment reason code. Payers stopped using it on 02/01/2007. Current remittances use 136 instead.

Seeing 196 on a Remittance?

196 was retired effective 02/01/2007 and should not appear on new remittances.
Payers now report this situation with 136 — check that page for current guidance.
Official retirement note: Use code 136.
If 196 appears on an old ERA you are reworking, interpret it per the remittance date, then follow the current code's guidance for any corrected claim.