Remittance advice remark code
Remark code M86 meaning
RARC M86: The service was denied because the payer already paid for the same or a similar procedure within a set time frame.
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- Remark code
- RARC M86
- Short name
- Same or similar service already paid in the period
- Plain meaning
- The service was denied because the payer already paid for the same or a similar procedure within a set time frame.
- Kind
- Adds detail to the reason code on the same line.
Plain-English summary written by Rivvi. X12 owns the RARC list and its exact wording, which is not reproduced here. Read it on the X12 RARC list (list dated July 1, 2026, checked October 23, 2026). This page does not decide how a claim is paid.
What to check before resubmitting
- Check claim history for the frequency limit.
- Document medical need if the repeat was needed.
Reason codes it often comes with
Related remark codes
Related pages
Questions
What does remark code M86 mean?
The service was denied because the payer already paid for the same or a similar procedure within a set time frame. This is Rivvi's plain-English summary of RARC M86. X12's exact wording is on x12.org.
What should I do about M86?
Check claim history for the frequency limit. Document medical need if the repeat was needed.
Is M86 a denial?
A remark code adds detail to the reason code on the same line. The reason code (CARC) and its group code decide what was denied or adjusted. It is often paired with reason codes 119, 151.
What is the difference between a RARC and a CARC?
A remittance advice remark code (RARC) adds detail to a claim adjustment reason code (CARC). The CARC says why the line was adjusted. The RARC often says what to fix.