CO-302: Precertification/Authorization Time Limit Expired
Verify authorization dates and either resubmit with corrected authorization or request retroactive approval. Do not collect from the patient.
What Does CO-302 Mean?
The provider's contractual obligation covers this adjustment. The authorization expired due to a provider-side issue, and the provider cannot transfer the cost to the patient.
CARC 302 indicates that the precertification, notification, authorization, or pre-treatment approval associated with the claim has passed its valid time window. Payers require that authorized services be rendered within a specific period, and if the authorization expires before the service date or before claim submission, the payer denies the claim.
This situation typically arises when scheduling delays push a procedure past the authorization window, when a provider fails to request an extension or renewal, or when claim submission is delayed after the authorization period closes. In some cases, data entry errors cause the dates of service to fall outside the authorized range even when the service was rendered on time.
Common Causes
| Cause | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Pre-authorization expired before service date The provider obtained authorization but failed to render the service within the authorization's valid period | Most Common |
| Delayed claim submission after authorization The claim was submitted after the authorization window closed, even though services were rendered on time | Most Common |
| Authorization not renewed or extended The initial authorization period ended and the provider did not request a renewal or extension before continuing treatment | Common |
| Incorrect authorization dates on claim The dates of service on the claim do not fall within the authorized time period due to data entry errors | Common |
| Retrospective authorization not obtained Emergency or urgent services were rendered without prior authorization and retrospective authorization was not obtained within the required timeframe | Occasional |
How to Resolve
- Verify the original authorization dates and compare with the dates of service on the claim
- If authorization was valid during service, gather proof and file an appeal with the authorization number, valid dates, and payer confirmation
- If authorization genuinely expired, request a new authorization or retroactive review from the payer
- Contact the payer's authorization department to request a time extension
- Resubmit the claim with the new or corrected authorization information
Appeal with proof of valid authorization at the time of service (authorization number, valid date range, and payer confirmation). If authorization genuinely expired, request retroactive authorization with clinical documentation demonstrating medical necessity and explaining any delays.
Common RARC Pairings
The RARC code tells you exactly what triggered the CO-302:
| RARC | Description |
|---|---|
| N517 | Alert: Precertification/authorization/notification has been expired. Request a new authorization or extension from the payer and resubmit the claim → |
| MA130 | Your claim contains incomplete and/or invalid information. Verify authorization details on the claim and correct any discrepancies before resubmitting → |
How to Prevent CO-302
- Implement proactive pre-certification processes with deadline tracking and automated expiration alerts
- Schedule authorized services promptly within the authorization validity period
- Request authorization renewals or extensions well before expiration dates
- Use revenue cycle software with automated authorization expiration monitoring
- Train staff on payer-specific authorization timeframes and renewal processes
Also Filed As
The same CARC 302 may appear with different Group Codes:
Related Denial Codes
Sources
- https://x12.org/codes/claim-adjustment-reason-codes
- https://www.mdclarity.com/denial-code/302
- https://www.cms.gov/medicare/regulations-guidance/manuals
- Codes maintained by X12. Visit x12.org for official definitions.