What does CARC 15 mean?

CARC 15 means "The authorization number is missing, invalid, or does not apply to the billed services or provider.". The recommended action is: Obtain or correct the authorization number and resubmit.

How do I resolve CARC 15?

Pull the original authorization request and approval (if any) Determine whether a retroactive authorization request is an option with this payer Prepare clinical documentation supporting medical necessity for the service Submit the retroactive authorization request through the payer portal Submit a formal appeal once the authorization is obtained or denied Document all communication with the payer in the patient account

Can CARC 15 be appealed?

CARC 15 has a 35% recovery rate and typically resolves in 21-45 days. Resolution difficulty is rated Hard.

CARC Code

15

🔴 Hard Denial

The authorization number is missing, invalid, or does not apply to the billed services or provider.

35%

Recovery Rate

21-45 days

Avg. Resolution

Hard

Difficulty

Common

Frequency

Recommended Action

Obtain or correct the authorization number and resubmit

Step-by-Step Resolution

1
Pull the original authorization request and approval (if any)
2
Determine whether a retroactive authorization request is an option with this payer
3
Prepare clinical documentation supporting medical necessity for the service
4
Submit the retroactive authorization request through the payer portal
5
Submit a formal appeal once the authorization is obtained or denied
6
Document all communication with the payer in the patient account

Common Remark Codes (RARC)

These RARC codes often appear alongside CARC 15 on remittance advice.

RARC N285·Missing/incomplete/invalid authorization number

→ Add valid authorization number and resubmit

Payer-Specific Notes

How major payers handle CARC 15 in practice.

MetLife Dental

MetLife provides detailed denial reason codes — check EOB for supplemental information.

Common 835 Combinations

CARC 15 most often appears with these Group Code + RARC combinations on 835 remittances.

COCO-15Appealable

Look up any combination →

Appeal Letter Template

Enter your email to access the full appeal template for CARC 15.

We are submitting a formal appeal for claim [CLAIM_NUMBER] for patient [PATIENT_NAME], date of service [DOS]. This claim was denied/adjusted with CARC 15 indicating: "The authorization number is missing, invalid, or does not apply to the billed se." We have reviewed the claim and are providing the attached documentation to support reconsideration. [SUPPORTING_DOCUMENTATION]. Please reconsider payment per the terms of our contract.

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