How do I fix or resolve code 89?

Review the ERA/EOB to confirm which professional fees were removed and whether the payer paid the technical component or the global service. Verify the provider's billing arrangement with the payer — if the provider is contracted for the technical component only, the professional fee adjustment is correct and should be posted as a contractual write-off. If the professional component was billed separately with modifier 26 and the payer incorrectly removed it, file a claim reconsideration citing the modifier and the separate professional component billing. If the professional fees were removed because the service was billed as a global code when it should have been split, resubmit with the correct CPT code and modifier (26 for professional, TC for technical). If the payer removed the professional fees due to a credentialing or enrollment issue with the rendering provider, verify the provider's enrollment status with the payer and resubmit once the enrollment is corrected.

89Adjustment CodeGeneral Adjustment

Code 89

Problem Description

Professional fees removed from charges.

Root Cause

The professional fees were removed from the charges on the claim. This adjustment occurs when the payer determines that the professional component of a service is not separately payable — for example, when a global service was billed but the payer only pays the technical component, or when the professional fees are included in a facility payment arrangement. This is common with radiology, pathology, and anesthesia services where the professional and technical components are billed separately (with modifiers 26 and TC), and the payer adjusts one component out based on the billing arrangement or contract terms.

Resolution Steps

1Review the ERA/EOB to confirm which professional fees were removed and whether the payer paid the technical component or the global service.
2Verify the provider's billing arrangement with the payer — if the provider is contracted for the technical component only, the professional fee adjustment is correct and should be posted as a contractual write-off.
3If the professional component was billed separately with modifier 26 and the payer incorrectly removed it, file a claim reconsideration citing the modifier and the separate professional component billing.
4If the professional fees were removed because the service was billed as a global code when it should have been split, resubmit with the correct CPT code and modifier (26 for professional, TC for technical).
5If the payer removed the professional fees due to a credentialing or enrollment issue with the rendering provider, verify the provider's enrollment status with the payer and resubmit once the enrollment is corrected.

EHR Documentation Note

Claim adjusted 89 — professional fees removed; verified billing arrangement and provider enrollment, posted write-off or filed reconsideration for incorrectly removed professional component.

Preventative Action

Verify provider enrollment status for both professional and technical components with each payer and ensure claims are billed with the correct modifiers (26/TC) based on the contracted arrangement.

Related Codes in General Adjustment

Deductible Amount

Coinsurance Amount

Co-payment Amount

The procedure/revenue code is inconsistent with the patient's age. Usage: Refer to the 835 Healthcare Policy Identification Segment (loop 2110 Service Payment Information REF), if present.

This directory provides reference information only and does not constitute official legal, medical, or financial billing advice. Always consult the payer's official remittance advice and current coding guidelines.