CARC Code
253
Sequestration - reduction in federal payment.
90%
Recovery Rate
3-7 days
Avg. Resolution
Easy
Difficulty
Rare
Frequency
Recommended Action
Correct procedure code sequencing and resubmit
Step-by-Step Resolution
- 1
Review the claim for the correct sequencing of related procedure codes
- 2
Verify CPT code relationships (primary vs. add-on codes) per CPT guidelines
- 3
Ensure add-on codes are never billed without their primary/parent code
- 4
Reorder procedure codes in the correct sequence on the claim
- 5
Resubmit the corrected claim with proper code sequencing
Common Remark Codes (RARC)
These RARC codes often appear alongside CARC 253 on remittance advice.
→ Review CPT add-on code pairing requirements
Payer-Specific Notes
How major payers handle CARC 253 in practice.
General
Sequencing errors common when adding supplemental codes without primary procedure codes
Delta Dental
Root canal codes must be billed in correct sequence; retreatment code requires original treatment code on prior claim
Common 835 Combinations
CARC 253 most often appears with these Group Code + RARC combinations on 835 remittances.
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