CARC 231CO · Contractual Obligation
Two procedures billed together can't both be performed and paid in the same session, per correct coding rules.
- Common causes
- Correct-coding edits flag the two procedures as clinically mutually exclusive, meaning they can't reasonably both happen at once.
- Suggested fix
- Review which procedure is appropriate to bill; if both truly occurred and a modifier applies, resubmit with supporting documentation.
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.146The diagnosis code billed wasn't a valid, active code as of the date of service.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.
Frequently asked questions
What does CARC 231 mean?
Two procedures billed together can't both be performed and paid in the same session, per correct coding rules.
How do I resolve CARC 231?
Review which procedure is appropriate to bill; if both truly occurred and a modifier applies, resubmit with supporting documentation.
Why does CARC 231 happen?
Correct-coding edits flag the two procedures as clinically mutually exclusive, meaning they can't reasonably both happen at once.
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.