Healthcare Error Code
Healthcare Insurance / Medical Billing
Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
N216 | Missing authorization
Industry
Healthcare
Canonical
/healthcare/error-codes/n216/
Last Updated
Feb 25, 2026
Summary
This code indicates that required authorization was missing for the billed service.
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What This Code Means
N216 is applied when payer records do not show a required authorization. This is an administrative requirement tied to benefit management. The code does not reflect service quality. Coverage eligibility may depend on authorization compliance.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- Remittance advice remarks
- EOB explanations
- Authorization review notices
Why This Code Appears
- Authorization not obtained
- Authorization details missing
- Authorization expired or invalid
What Typically Happens Next
- Payment is denied or delayed
- Claim processing completes or pauses
- Appeal pathways may exist
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a billing format error
- It is not patient responsibility
- It is not a contractual adjustment
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Review authorization requirements
- □ Confirm authorization records
- □ Monitor payer policies
Notes And Edge Cases
Authorization requirements vary by payer. Emergency services may follow different rules.
Related Codes
8 links
- CO-197 CodePrecertification required
- CO-167 CodeNo authorization on file
- N20 CodeService not payable
- N286 CodeMissing/incomplete documentation
- N240 CodeIncomplete claim
- N290 CodeMissing/incomplete provider identifier
- N272 CodeCoordination of benefits issue
- M130 CodeMissing prior authorization
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