What CO-151 means
The payer thinks the number or frequency of services is more than the documentation supports.
The CO group code means this amount is a contractual obligation: under most contracts you cannot bill it to the patient.
Common causes
- Units over the payer's limits
- Frequency higher than policy allows
How to fix it
- Check units and frequency limits
- Appeal with documentation if the services were necessary
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.