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Denial Code Decoder

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  • E/M level reduced (downcoded)

    The payer paid a level 4 or 5 office visit at a lower level (for example, Aetna's Claim & Code Review or Cigna's R49 policy). Usually shows as CARC 150.

  • Coverage or medical necessity denial

    The payer says the service wasn't medically necessary or the diagnosis isn't covered (CARC 50, 151 or 167, often with RARC N115 or N386).

  • Authorization was approved

    The claim was denied for a missing, invalid or exceeded authorization, but you have an approval that covers the service (CARC 197 or 198).

  • Filed on time (timely filing)

    The claim was denied as late (CARC 29), but a clearinghouse or payer report shows the original claim was accepted within the filing limit.

  • Payer Deadline Sheet

    Appeal and timely filing windows for 7 payers on one printable page.

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