N286: Missing/incomplete/invalid referring provider primary identifier
Similar to N265 but for the referring provider: the claim is missing the referring provider's NPI or it does not match a valid, enrolled provider record.
Corrective actions
- 1
Verify the referring provider's NPI
Confirm the referring provider's NPI in NPPES and check it against the claim's referring provider loop for typos or transposed digits.
- 2
Resubmit with corrected referring provider information
Update the claim with the verified NPI and name, then resubmit as a corrected claim.
Usually paired with
Retrieved 2026-07-18.
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DenialPath provides billing and administrative guidance based on published CMS and X12 sources. It is not medical advice, not a coverage determination, and not a guarantee of payment. NCCI and MUE edits are republished quarterly and payer policies vary by contract. Always confirm against the payer's own current policy before submitting or appealing.