CARC Code
138
Appeal procedures not followed or time limits not met.
How to resolve this denial
Review appeal submission requirements and refile within allowed timeframe
- 1
Pull submission logs from your clearinghouse or payer portal
- 2
Gather all proof of timely filing: submission confirmation, rejection notices, prior payments
- 3
Submit a formal appeal with timely filing evidence attached
- 4
If proof is insufficient, review internal workflows to prevent future occurrences
- 5
Document the appeal and set a follow-up reminder for 30 days
▶✓ Pre-action checklist — verify before contacting the payer
Review the full remittance advice (ERA/EOB) for additional RARC codes that explain the denial.
Verify the claim was submitted with correct patient eligibility and benefit information.
Check if this denial applies to a specific line item or the entire claim.
▶More about CO-138 — stats, related codes, appeal template
35%
Recovery Rate
21-45 days
Avg. Resolution
Hard
Difficulty
Occasional
Frequency
Payer-Specific Notes
How major payers handle CARC 138 by specialty.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
BCBS requires appeal submission within 180 days for most plans.
Appeal Letter Template
Generic appeal template for CARC 138 denials.
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 138 indicating: "Appeal procedures not followed or time limits not met.." 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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