299Denial Code (CARC)Active
CO 299 Denial Code - Fix Provider Eligibility Issues
CARC 299 means that the billing provider is not authorized to receive payment for the services they submitted. This could be due to credentialing issues or provider status with the payer.
Who Pays: Group Code Liability
With CARC 299, the adjustment typically falls under group code CO, meaning the provider must write off the amount as a contractual obligation and cannot bill the patient.
Why Claims Get Code 299
- The provider's credentials with the payer are not current or active.
- The provider is not enrolled with the payer for the specific service or location.
- The billing provider number used is incorrect or inactive.
- The payer's records do not reflect the provider's current status or eligibility.
- The service billed is outside the provider's scope as recognized by the payer.
How to Fix & Resubmit
- Verify the provider's credentials and ensure they are current and active with the payer.
- Check that the provider is enrolled with the payer for the specific service and location billed.
- Confirm the billing provider number used on the claim is correct and active.
- Contact the payer to clarify the provider's status and eligibility for the billed services.
- Once issues are resolved, resubmit the claim with the correct and updated provider information.
Corrected Claim or Appeal?
For CARC 299, submitting a corrected claim with updated provider information is typically needed. An appeal is seldom appropriate unless payer error is confirmed.
Preventing Future 299 Denials
- Regularly update provider credentials and ensure they are active with all payers.
- Verify that provider enrollment with payers includes all services and locations billed.
- Use the correct and active billing provider number on all claims.
- Maintain communication with payers to stay informed of any changes in provider eligibility.