What CO-15 means
The claim's authorization number was missing, wrong, or doesn't match the service or provider billed.
The CO group code means this amount is a contractual obligation: under most contracts you cannot bill it to the patient.
Common causes
- Authorization number not entered on the claim
- Authorization issued for a different code, provider or date range
How to fix it
- Add the correct authorization number and resubmit
- If the service was outside the authorization, request a retro-authorization if the payer allows
Check the remark code (RARC) that came with the denial and the payer's own policy, since rules vary by payer and plan. This is a plain-English summary written by GetMax; the official code text is published by X12 at x12.org/codes.
Prevent it next time
Most denials are caused before the claim is sent. See 12 ways to reduce claim denials, or let our denial management team work them for you.