N20 – Service Not Payable With Other Service Rendered on the Same Date

The N20 RARC code indicates that a service is not separately payable because it was performed with another service on the same date of service. Unlike a Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC), a Remittance Advice Remark Code (RARC) provides additional information about how an insurance claim was processed.

The N20 remark code is commonly reported alongside a CARC to provide further clarification regarding payment or reimbursement decisions.

Quick Facts

RARC Code
N20

Code Type
Remittance Advice Remark Code (RARC)

Category
Payment Adjustment

Meaning
Service is not payable with another service performed on the same date.

Common Payers
Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial Insurance

Next Step
Review the associated CARC, coding guidelines, and payer reimbursement policies before submitting a corrected claim or appeal.

What Does the N20 RARC Code Mean?

The N20 RARC code explains that the billed service is not separately reimbursable because it was performed in conjunction with another service on the same date of service.

Rather than identifying the primary reason for the adjustment, N20 provides additional information to help providers understand why payment was processed a certain way.

In many situations, the payer considers the service included in another payable procedure under bundling or reimbursement guidelines.

Common Causes

Providers may receive the N20 RARC code when:

• Multiple procedures are billed together.

• A service is included in another payable procedure.

• National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits apply.

• Bundling rules prevent separate reimbursement.

• Payer reimbursement policies prohibit separate payment.

Reviewing the associated CARC provides additional context for the adjustment.

How To Resolve the N20 RARC Code

If you receive the N20 remark code:

• Review the associated Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC).

• Compare the submitted CPT codes with payer billing guidelines.

• Review National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits.

• Determine whether an appropriate modifier is supported by documentation.

• Review payer policies before submitting a corrected claim or appeal.

Not every N20 adjustment requires corrective action. In many cases, the payer processed the claim according to established reimbursement policies.

Common Billing Mistakes

Common mistakes associated with the N20 RARC code include:

• Billing bundled procedures separately.

• Missing appropriate modifiers.

• Misunderstanding payer reimbursement policies.

• Appealing claims without reviewing the associated CARC.

• Failing to review supporting documentation before resubmitting claims.

Understanding why the remark code was assigned helps reduce unnecessary appeals and claim corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the N20 RARC code?

The N20 RARC code indicates that a service is not separately payable because another service performed on the same date includes the reimbursement.

Is N20 a denial code?

No. N20 is a Remittance Advice Remark Code (RARC). It provides additional information about a payment adjustment and is typically reported with a Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC).

Should providers appeal an N20 adjustment?

Not always. Providers should first review the associated CARC, documentation, and payer reimbursement policies to determine whether the adjustment is appropriate.

Where can providers find additional information?

Additional details are typically available in the associated CARC, the Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA), and the payer's reimbursement policies.

Related RARC Codes

You may also encounter:

• MA130 RARC Code

• M15 RARC Code

• N30 RARC Code

• N290 RARC Code

Quick Summary

The N20 RARC code explains that a billed service is not separately payable because it was provided with another reimbursable service on the same date. Providers should review the associated CARC, coding guidelines, and payer reimbursement policies before determining whether additional action is necessary.