N286 remark code

Remittance advice remark code N286. Remark codes add detail to the reason code on the same claim line.

Referring provider ID 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 N286 means

The NPI or other primary identifier for the referring provider is missing, incomplete or not valid.

Some plans, especially HMO and gatekeeper plans, and some specialty services require a referring provider on the claim. N286 means that identifier was not present or could not be matched.

It supports a missing information reason code, usually 16. Check whether the plan also needs a referral on file, which is a separate requirement.

Common causes

• The referring provider NPI was left off a specialist claim on a plan that requires it.
• The NPI was mistyped or belongs to an organization instead of an individual.
• The provider listed is not the one the payer has as the patient's primary care provider.

What to do next

1. Get the referring provider's individual NPI from the referral or the chart.
2. Confirm whether the plan also requires a referral number or authorization on file.
3. Correct the referring provider fields and resubmit the claim.

Related codes

• N575 (remark code) Ordering provider name mismatch
• N265 (remark code) Ordering provider ID problem
• 16 (reason code) Missing information or billing error