M49 remark code

Remittance advice remark code M49. Remark codes add detail to the reason code on the same claim line.

Missing or invalid value code or amount

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 M49 means

A value code or its amount on an institutional claim is missing, incomplete or does not make sense for the claim.

Value codes carry amounts the payer needs to process an institutional claim, such as amounts paid by another payer or other financial details. This remark says a needed value code was absent, or the code or its amount was not valid.

It usually comes with reason code 16, and the claim must be corrected and sent again.

Common causes

• A value code required for the type of bill or situation was left off.
• The amount reported with a value code was zero, blank or formatted wrong.
• A value code was used that does not apply to this claim type.

What to do next

1. Review the value codes and amounts on the claim against the payer's institutional billing rules.
2. Correct the value code or amount in the billing system.
3. Resubmit the corrected claim and watch for further edits.

Related codes

• 16 (reason code) Missing information or billing error
• M50 (remark code) Missing or invalid revenue code
• MA30 (remark code) Missing or invalid type of bill