An apparatus, method and system are provided for message-based intelligent tandeming of an incoming call to an application node in telecommunication systems. The various embodiments utilize a new parameter, referred to as a tandem parameter, to designate whether incoming calls to a particular subscriber are to be tandemed to an application node or are to be delivered directly to the subscriber. The preferred system embodiment includes an adjunct network entity, a database, and a switching center. The adjunct network entity, such as a service circuit node or service control point, has one or more application nodes or platforms, supporting various telecommunication services such as prepaid services, calling party pays services, and one number services. The database, such as a home location register or visitor location register, stores information such as subscriber profiles, and includes storing the tandem parameter. The switching center, such as a mobile switching center, is configured to receive an incoming call leg directed to a called party directory number, to transmit a first message to the database to determine call treatment instructions, and to receive from the database a second message containing a tandem parameter. When the tandem parameter does not indicate tandeming, the incoming call leg is routed to the called party directory number, and when the tandem parameter does indicate tandeming, the switching center obtains a routing parameter and performs digit analysis of the called party directory number. The switching center, when the digit analysis has been performed successfully, tandems the incoming call leg to the application node, and when the digit analysis has not been performed successfully, provides an individually configured default mode for the incoming call leg.