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CARC
CO-39
CARC
CO — Contractual Obligation
Authorization
Quick Facts
Code
CO-39
Type
CARC
Category
Authorization
Status
Active
Services denied at the time authorization/pre-certification was requested
What Does This Code Mean?
The payer had already denied authorization for this service before it was performed.
Common Causes
- Service was rendered despite an authorization denial
- Authorization denial wasn't communicated internally before scheduling
Recommended Next Steps
- Review the original authorization denial reason
- File an appeal if there's new clinical information supporting medical necessity
- Build a hard stop in scheduling for services with denied pre-authorizations
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Educational reference only — not medical or legal advice. Always confirm code usage and appeal rights with the specific payer.