CARC 146CO · Contractual Obligation
The diagnosis code billed wasn't a valid, active code as of the date of service.
- Common causes
- An outdated ICD-10 code was used after it was replaced or retired, often from using last year's code set past the annual update.
- Suggested fix
- Look up the correct, currently valid diagnosis code for that date of service and resubmit the corrected claim.
Related Contractual Obligation codes
107This claim depends on another related claim or service being referenced, but that link wasn't provided.11The diagnosis code doesn't support medical necessity for the procedure billed, based on the payer's coverage edits.13The claim shows a date of service after the patient's recorded date of death.150The documentation submitted doesn't justify the complexity or level of the service billed, commonly seen with evaluation and management visit levels.16The claim is missing required information or contains a billing error that prevented the payer from processing it.170This payer doesn't reimburse this specific provider type for this service.171This payer doesn't cover this service when it's billed by this provider type in this particular facility setting.172The payment amount was adjusted because of the rendering provider's specialty designation.
Frequently asked questions
What does CARC 146 mean?
The diagnosis code billed wasn't a valid, active code as of the date of service.
How do I resolve CARC 146?
Look up the correct, currently valid diagnosis code for that date of service and resubmit the corrected claim.
Why does CARC 146 happen?
An outdated ICD-10 code was used after it was replaced or retired, often from using last year's code set past the annual update.
CARC codes maintained by X12 (x12.org). Descriptions on this site are original reference interpretations. Always verify codes with authoritative sources before making billing decisions.