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CARC Code Reference

CARC 189: 'Not otherwise classified' or 'unlisted' procedure code (CPT/HCPCS) was billed when there is a specific procedure code for this procedure/service.

'Not otherwise classified' or 'unlisted' procedure code (CPT/HCPCS) was billed when there is a specific procedure code for this procedure/service.

Group code CO or PI
Category Coding
Risk level High
Appealable Review Required

Common RARC pairings

RARCs (Remittance Advice Remark Codes) provide the specific reason detail alongside CARC 189 on the 835 electronic remittance. These are the RARCs seen most often with this CARC.

RARCMeaning
M81 You are required to code to the highest level of specificity.
N657 This should be billed with the appropriate code for these services.

See the full resolution workflow for CARC 189

Members of the EDI-Code Intelligence Lab get the step-by-step rework path, appeal language, root-cause drivers, and prevention checklist for every CARC and RARC pairing, plus payer-specific quirks.

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