OA 293 denial code

Claim adjustment reason code 293. Often reported as OA 293.

Payment sent to patient's employer

Unofficial reference. This is our own plain-English explanation, not the official code text. Payer rules differ. Verify with the payer and the official X12 code list. AlphaPrefix is not affiliated with X12, CMS or any payer. Data last updated Nov 11, 2026.

What 293 means

The payer issued payment for this claim to the patient's employer rather than to the provider.

This code tells you where the money went. The payment was made to the employer, which can happen with some self funded or work related arrangements.

If you expected to be paid directly, find out why the payer sent it elsewhere and whether the employer will pass it on.

Group codes seen with 293

On a remittance, 293 comes after a group code. These are the ones it is most often reported with:

• OA 293 (Other Adjustment): Used for adjustments that are neither the provider's contractual write-off nor the patient's share. It often appears with coordination of benefits, for example when another payer already paid.

The payer chooses the group code for each adjustment, so the same reason code can appear with another group code on your remittance. Read the two together. More about group codes.

Common causes

• The plan or arrangement directs payment to the employer.
• Assignment of benefits to the provider was missing or not recognized.
• The claim relates to an employer arrangement where the employer pays the provider.

What to do next

1. Confirm with the payer that payment went to the employer and the amount sent.
2. Contact the employer about forwarding the payment if the arrangement allows it.
3. Check that assignment of benefits was on the claim for future services.

Related codes

• 294 (reason code) Payment sent to an attorney