N264 remark code

Remittance advice remark code N264. Remark codes add detail to the reason code on the same claim line.

Ordering provider name problem

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 N264 means

The name of the provider who ordered the service is missing, incomplete or does not match what the payer expects.

Labs, imaging, equipment and many therapy services need an ordering provider on the claim. N264 means the name in that field was blank, partial or did not line up with the identifier given.

It adds detail to a missing information reason code, usually 16, and is fixed with a corrected claim.

Common causes

• The ordering provider loop was left empty on a lab, imaging or DME claim.
• A nickname or misspelling was used instead of the legal name tied to the NPI.
• The ordering provider's name and NPI belong to different people.

What to do next

1. Check the order for the ordering provider's full legal name.
2. Match the name to the NPI in the national registry.
3. Submit a corrected claim with the name and NPI in the ordering provider fields.

Related codes

• N265 (remark code) Ordering provider ID problem
• N575 (remark code) Ordering provider name mismatch
• N574 (remark code) Ordering provider type not allowed