N144Remark Code (RARC)Active
N144 Remark Code - Rate Change During Service Dates
The N144 remark code indicates that the payment rate for the services rendered changed during the dates of service billed. This means that the payer has applied a different reimbursement rate because the service dates fell within a timeframe of a rate adjustment.
How It Relates to the Denial
The N144 remark typically accompanies a Claim Adjustment Reason Code that reflects a payment adjustment due to rate changes. This combination signals that the billed amount was affected by a change in the reimbursement rate during the service period.
Common Scenarios
1A provider submits a claim for physical therapy services rendered over a two-week period. The remittance advises that the payment is lower than expected due to a rate change.
→ In this case, the N144 remark clarifies that the reduced payment is a result of a rate adjustment that occurred during the service dates, indicating the provider should expect a different reimbursement rate than previously established.
2A claim for laboratory tests is processed, but the payment received is less than what was billed. The remittance includes a Claim Adjustment Reason Code indicating a payment adjustment, along with the N144 remark.
→ Here, the N144 remark indicates the lower payment is due to a change in the reimbursement rate for laboratory tests that took effect during the service period.
3A hospital bills for a series of outpatient services that span over a month. The remittance shows an adjustment that reflects changes in the billing rates, accompanied by the N144 remark.
→ The N144 remark serves to inform the hospital that the adjustment in payment is linked to a rate change that occurred while the outpatient services were rendered.
What to Do
- Review the Claim Adjustment Reason Code accompanying the N144 remark for context on the adjustment.
- Confirm that the billed services fall within the timeframe of the rate change indicated by the payer.
- Adjust future billing practices to consider the new rates if applicable.
What to Check
- The payer's fee schedule to verify the new rates effective during the service dates.
- The claim submission dates to ensure they align with the rate change period.
- Any prior remittances to see if similar rate changes were applied in the past.