CARC 251CO · Contractual Obligation
Documentation was submitted, but it didn't include everything needed to process the claim.
- Common causes
- Pages were missing, required signatures weren't included, or key clinical details were absent from the submitted records.
- Suggested fix
- Review what's required for this claim type and resubmit complete 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 251 mean?
Documentation was submitted, but it didn't include everything needed to process the claim.
How do I resolve CARC 251?
Review what's required for this claim type and resubmit complete documentation.
Why does CARC 251 happen?
Pages were missing, required signatures weren't included, or key clinical details were absent from the submitted records.
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.