← Back to Code Directory
CARC
CO-96
CARC
CO — Contractual Obligation
Non-Covered
Quick Facts
Code
CO-96
Type
CARC
Category
Non-Covered
Status
Active
Non-covered charge(s)
What Does This Code Mean?
The service is specifically excluded from the patient’s benefit plan.
Common Causes
- Service falls under a plan exclusion (e.g. cosmetic, experimental)
- Benefit maximum already used for this service type
- Wrong plan/product billed
Recommended Next Steps
- Review the specific plan's exclusions
- Confirm the correct plan/policy number was billed
- If incorrectly denied, request the payer cite the exact exclusion language
- Bill patient per financial policy if genuinely excluded
Recently Viewed
Educational reference only — not medical or legal advice. Always confirm code usage and appeal rights with the specific payer.