CARC45ReferenceCurrentVerified Aug 15, 2026CARC 45
AR Guide explanation
What it means
The charge exceeds the fee schedule, maximum allowable, or contracted/legislated fee arrangement.
AR Guide knowledge
Common denial category
AR Guide knowledge
Common causes
- Charge higher than the contracted rate
- Fee schedule not applied at billing
- Contract rate updated but claim billed at old rate
AR Guide knowledge
What AR should verify
- Compare the billed charge to the contracted rate/fee schedule
- Confirm the provider's contract terms
AR Guide knowledge
Recommended action
- If billed above the contracted rate, write off the contractual adjustment
- If the rate is genuinely disputed, appeal with the contract or fee schedule evidence
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.