CARC288ReferenceCurrentVerified Aug 15, 2026CARC 288
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
A referral was absent.
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
- Required referral not obtained
- Referral not on file at time of service
AR Guide knowledge
What AR should verify
- Confirm the referral requirement
- Check the referral records
AR Guide knowledge
Recommended action
- Obtain a retro-referral where possible, or appeal with clinical necessity
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.