CARC97ReferenceCurrentVerified Aug 15, 2026CARC 97
AR Guide Workflow
Bundling & Included Services
The payment for this service is included in the payment for another service — a global period, an NCCI edit, or a plan rule that bundles the service.
AR Guide explanation
What it means
The benefit for this service is included in the payment for another service that has already been adjudicated.
AR Guide knowledge
Common denial category
Bundling & Included Services — The payment for this service is included in the payment for another service — a global period, an NCCI edit, or a plan rule that bundles the service.
AR Guide knowledge
Common causes
- Procedure bundled into a primary procedure's allowance
- Global period rules applied
AR Guide knowledge
What AR should verify
- Confirm which service the payment was included in
- Review bundling edits and global period rules
AR Guide knowledge
Recommended action
- If the bundling is correct, no action — the service is paid within the other allowance
- If bundled incorrectly, appeal with the applicable coding guidance
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.