CARC15ReferenceHistorical / DeactivatedVerified Aug 15, 2026CARC 15
Historical / Deactivated code: Heads up
CARC 15 is no longer valid for current transactions. It may still appear on older remittance advices — treat it as reference for historical documents only.
AR Guide Workflow
Authorization
The service required prior authorization, precertification, or pre-treatment review that was missing, expired, or did not cover what was billed.
AR Guide explanation
What it means
The authorization number was missing, invalid, or did not apply to the billed services or provider. Note: this code was deactivated by ASC X12.
AR Guide knowledge
Common denial category
Authorization — The service required prior authorization, precertification, or pre-treatment review that was missing, expired, or did not cover what was billed.
AR Guide knowledge
Common causes
- Authorization not obtained before service
- Wrong authorization number on the claim
- Authorization does not cover the service/provider billed
AR Guide knowledge
What AR should verify
- Pull the authorization record and compare the number, dates, services and provider
- Check authorization dates of service coverage
AR Guide knowledge
Recommended action
- Correct and resubmit with the valid authorization number, or
- Request a retro-authorization if the service is already rendered
AR Guide knowledge
QA checkpoint
- Attach the authorization number at claim entry
- Track authorization expiration dates
About this guidance: Note
AR Guide knowledge is general reference content written by our team — it is not payer-specific policy and never replaces the payer’s documentation or your contract. Always confirm specifics with the payer.