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Denial playbookDecember 12, 20246 min read

Denial Prevention Quick Wins: Top Five Levers to Reduce CARC 97 and CARC 16

Stop repeated CARC 97/16 callbacks by building prevention into drafting — not appeals.

DenialsCARC 97CARC 16

1. Flag modifier, POS, and timing conflicts before submission

CARC 97 often results when services are bundled incorrectly or billed with conflicting modifiers. Set up automated flagging before the claim leaves your hands.

2. Auto-enrich missing documentation for risk-driving diagnoses

CARC 16 denials frequently occur because the diagnosis isn’t supported. Auto-populate evidence windows with MEAT proof or block submission when it’s missing.

3. Learn from 835s and fix the root cause

Denial prevention is a feedback loop. Feed historical 835s back into drafting so the same error never repeats.

4. Draft clean claims without manual rework

Every manual touchpoint adds risk. Replace hand-built templates with dynamic claim line generators that bake in payer logic.

5. Provide visibility and accountability across the workflow

Denied claims stem from ownership gaps. Introduce calm worklists with SLA tracking so risky lines are corrected before submission.

The payoff: clean claims, fewer callbacks, faster cash

By focusing on the highest-leverage denial types, hospitals solve 60% of denial volume with a handful of changes — and keep staff focused on patient care.

Ready to see it in action?

We help ACOs, MSOs, providers, and payers catch what slips through the cracks before claims leave the building. Learn how we can help.

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