N390Remark Code (RARC)Active
N390 Remark Code - This Service Cannot Be Billed Separately
The N390 remark code indicates that the service or report in question cannot be billed separately from another service or report. This suggests that the billed item is included as part of a bundled service or is dependent on a primary service already billed.
How It Relates to the Denial
The N390 remark code typically accompanies a Claim Adjustment Reason Code that signals a denial or adjustment due to bundling rules. The combination of these codes indicates that the billed service is not eligible for separate reimbursement.
Common Scenarios
1A provider bills for a diagnostic test and also for an interpretation report, but receives a remittance stating that the interpretation report is denied.
→ The N390 remark code clarifies that the interpretation report cannot be billed separately because it is considered part of the diagnostic test.
2An office visit is billed alongside a procedure, and the claim shows a denial for the procedure with a remark that the report cannot be billed separately.
→ In this case, the N390 remark code signifies that the procedure's report is bundled with the office visit and cannot be billed as an independent service.
3A physical therapy session includes an evaluation and treatment, but the billing shows that the evaluation was denied due to separate billing.
→ The presence of the N390 remark code indicates that the evaluation cannot be billed separately from the therapy session.
What to Do
- Review the claim to identify the primary service that includes the denied service or report.
- Verify if the billed service is indeed part of a bundled package as per payer policy.
- Consider resubmitting the claim if additional documentation supports separate billing.
What to Check
- The original claim submission to confirm the services billed together.
- The payer's policy on bundled services to understand billing guidelines.
- The remittance advice for any accompanying Claim Adjustment Reason Codes that provide context for the denial.