DenialCode.com
Free Healthcare Billing Reference

Medical Denial Code
Lookup Tool

Instantly find explanations, causes, and resolution steps for every Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC) and Remark Code.

Popular: CO-16 CO-45 PR-1 CO-29 CO-4 CO-45 Remark Code
4,524+
Denial Codes
5
Group Code Types
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Always Free
2024
Updated CARC List
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What Are Denial Codes?

Claim Adjustment Reason Codes (CARC) explain why a payment differs from what was billed. Every 835 ERA and EOB uses these standardized codes.

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How to Use This Tool

Search any code or keyword above. Each page includes the full description, common causes, resolution steps, and appeal guidance.

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Remark Codes Too

Each denial code page also links to a dedicated Remark Code page — optimized for providers searching for ERA remark code context.

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Appeal Your Denial

Most denials are reversible. Our guides walk you through the correct steps to correct, resubmit, or formally appeal each denial type.

Claim Adjustment Reason Codes
Showing 4,524 codes — click any code for full explanation and resolution steps
Code Description View
N135Record fees are the patient's responsibility and limited to the specified co-payment.Details →
N136Alert: To obtain information on the process to file an appeal in Arizona, call the De…Details →
N136Alert: To obtain information on the process to file an appeal in Arizona, call the De…Details →
N137Alert: The provider acting on the Member's behalf, may file an appeal with the Payer.…Details →
N137Alert: The provider acting on the Member's behalf, may file an appeal with the Payer.…Details →
N138Alert: In the event you disagree with the Dental Advisor's opinion and have additiona…Details →
N138Alert: In the event you disagree with the Dental Advisor's opinion and have additiona…Details →
N139Alert: Under 32 CFR 199.13, a non-participating provider is not an appropriate appeal…Details →
N139Alert: Under 32 CFR 199.13, a non-participating provider is not an appropriate appeal…Details →
N14Payment based on a contractual amount or agreement, fee schedule, or maximum allowabl…Details →
N14Payment based on a contractual amount or agreement, fee schedule, or maximum allowabl…Details →
N140Alert: You have not been designated as an authorized OCONUS provider therefore are no…Details →
N140Alert: You have not been designated as an authorized OCONUS provider therefore are no…Details →
N141The patient was not residing in a long-term care facility during all or part of the s…Details →
N141The patient was not residing in a long-term care facility during all or part of the s…Details →
N142The original claim was denied. Resubmit a new claim, not a replacement claim.Details →
N142The original claim was denied. Resubmit a new claim, not a replacement claim.Details →
N143The patient was not in a hospice program during all or part of the service dates bill…Details →
N143The patient was not in a hospice program during all or part of the service dates bill…Details →
N144The rate changed during the dates of service billed.Details →
N144The rate changed during the dates of service billed.Details →
N145Missing/incomplete/invalid provider identifier for this place of service.Details →
N145Missing/incomplete/invalid provider identifier for this place of service.Details →
N146Missing screening document.Details →
N146Missing screening document.Details →
N147Long term care case mix or per diem rate cannot be determined because the patient ID …Details →
N147Long term care case mix or per diem rate cannot be determined because the patient ID …Details →
N148Missing/incomplete/invalid date of last menstrual period.Details →
N148Missing/incomplete/invalid date of last menstrual period.Details →
N149Rebill all applicable services on a single claim.Details →
N149Rebill all applicable services on a single claim.Details →
N15Services for a newborn must be billed separately.Details →
N15Services for a newborn must be billed separately.Details →
N150Missing/incomplete/invalid model number.Details →
N150Missing/incomplete/invalid model number.Details →
N151Telephone contact services will not be paid until the face-to-face contact requiremen…Details →
N151Telephone contact services will not be paid until the face-to-face contact requiremen…Details →
N152Missing/incomplete/invalid replacement claim information.Details →
N152Missing/incomplete/invalid replacement claim information.Details →
N153Missing/incomplete/invalid room and board rate.Details →
N153Missing/incomplete/invalid room and board rate.Details →
N154Alert: This payment was delayed for correction of provider's mailing address.Details →
N154Alert: This payment was delayed for correction of provider's mailing address.Details →
N155Alert: Our records do not indicate that other insurance is on file. Please submit oth…Details →
N155Alert: Our records do not indicate that other insurance is on file. Please submit oth…Details →
N156Alert: The patient is responsible for the difference between the approved treatment a…Details →
N156Alert: The patient is responsible for the difference between the approved treatment a…Details →
N157Transportation to/from this destination is not covered.Details →
N157Transportation to/from this destination is not covered.Details →
N158Transportation in a vehicle other than an ambulance is not covered.Details →
N158Transportation in a vehicle other than an ambulance is not covered.Details →
N159Payment denied/reduced because mileage is not covered when the patient is not in the …Details →
N159Payment denied/reduced because mileage is not covered when the patient is not in the …Details →
N16Family/member Out-of-Pocket maximum has been met. Payment based on a higher percentag…Details →
N16Family/member Out-of-Pocket maximum has been met. Payment based on a higher percentag…Details →
N160The patient must choose an option before a payment can be made for this procedure/ eq…Details →
N160The patient must choose an option before a payment can be made for this procedure/ eq…Details →
N161This drug/service/supply is covered only when the associated service is covered.Details →
N161This drug/service/supply is covered only when the associated service is covered.Details →
N162Alert: Although your claim was paid, you have billed for a test/specialty not include…Details →

Understanding Medical Claim Denial Codes

Medical claim denial codes — formally known as Claim Adjustment Reason Codes (CARC) — are standardized identifiers maintained by the X12 standards body and used across all Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer 835 electronic remittance transactions. When a claim is paid at a different amount than billed, at least one CARC code must accompany the remittance advice to indicate the specific reason for the adjustment.

The most frequently encountered codes include CO-16 (missing or invalid claim information), CO-45 (charges exceeding fee schedule), PR-1 (patient deductible), CO-29 (timely filing deadline exceeded), and CO-4 (procedure code inconsistent with modifier). Each represents a distinct, actionable reason that has a defined resolution pathway.