Do not resubmit this claim
An alert: the payer has this claim and is still working on it, or has already made a final decision. Sending it again will create a duplicate.
Usual causes
- Claim pending medical review or coordination of benefits.
- Final decision already issued; the right next step is an appeal, not a new claim.
The fix
Check claim status before taking action. If it is pending, wait. If it was denied, read the reason code and appeal if appropriate.
Appeal or corrected claim?
None; appeal if the decision is final and wrong.
Deadline to watch
Appeal window from the final decision.
Exact limits are in your payer contract or provider manual. When in doubt, send the correction or appeal this week.
N185 in short
What does N185 mean?
An alert: the payer has this claim and is still working on it, or has already made a final decision. Sending it again will create a duplicate. The official X12 text reads: "Alert: Do not resubmit this claim/service."
What usually causes a N185 denial?
Claim pending medical review or coordination of benefits. Final decision already issued; the right next step is an appeal, not a new claim.
How do I fix N185?
Check claim status before taking action. If it is pending, wait. If it was denied, read the reason code and appeal if appropriate.
Should I appeal N185 or send a corrected claim?
Nothing to send. None; appeal if the decision is final and wrong.
What deadline applies to N185?
Appeal window from the final decision.