N117 remark code

Remittance advice remark code N117. Remark codes add detail to the reason code on the same claim line.

Once-per-lifetime service

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 N117 means

This service is allowed only once in a patient's lifetime, and the payer shows it was already paid before.

Some services, such as certain screenings or one-time procedures, are limited to a single occurrence per patient. N117 says the payer's history already has one, so this claim is over the limit.

It normally accompanies a frequency or benefit maximum reason code, such as 119.

Common causes

• The payer's records show the same service paid to you or another provider in the past.
• The patient had the service elsewhere and did not mention it.
• The wrong code was billed, and it matches a once-per-lifetime service by mistake.

What to do next

1. Ask the payer for the date and provider of the earlier paid claim.
2. Confirm the code billed is right for what was actually performed this time.
3. Correct and resubmit if a different code applies, or appeal with records if the earlier claim was in error.
4. Check whether a waiver or advance notice was signed before considering patient responsibility.

Related codes

• 119 (reason code) Benefit maximum reached
• N640 (remark code) Frequency limit exceeded
• N130 (remark code) Check plan benefits for restrictions