Appeal Letter Templates
Downloadable Word templates for the most common denials. Each file opens in Microsoft Word — replace the [bracketed placeholders] with your practice's details and the case specifics.
Before you send: Note
Timely Filing Appeal — Proof of Timely Submission
CARC 29Appeal a timely-filing denial with proof the claim was submitted within the deadline — submission receipt, clearinghouse report, or portal confirmation.
For: Billing staff appealing a CARC 29 denial where the claim was submitted on time. · Last reviewed 2026-08-16 · Related guide: Timely Filing
Appeal an eligibility denial where coverage existed but verification failed — attach the eligibility confirmation for the date of service.
For: Billing staff appealing CARC 27 / 204 / 31 denials with a valid coverage confirmation. · Last reviewed 2026-08-16 · Related guide: Eligibility & Coverage
Respond to a medical-necessity denial by addressing each policy criterion with the documentation that meets it.
For: Clinical + billing staff appealing CARC 50 / 151 denials with supporting documentation. · Last reviewed 2026-08-16 · Related guide: Medical Necessity
Appeal a missing/expired authorization denial where an authorization existed but was misapplied or expired in processing.
For: Billing staff appealing CARC 197 / 15 denials with the original authorization number. · Last reviewed 2026-08-16 · Related guide: Authorization
Duplicate Claim Appeal — Corrected Claim Was Legitimate
CARC 18Appeal a duplicate denial where a legitimate corrected claim (frequency code 7) was treated as a new duplicate.
For: Billing staff appealing CARC 18 denials on corrected claims. · Last reviewed 2026-08-16 · Related guide: Duplicate Claims