What does denial code CO-181 mean?

Procedure code was invalid on the date of service. The CPT or HCPCS code was not valid on the date of service.

How do I fix a CO-181 denial?

Use the code valid on the date of service. Correct and resubmit.

Pricing

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Claim adjustment reason code · Contractual obligation

CO-181
Procedure code was invalid on the date of service

What CO-181 means

The CPT or HCPCS code was not valid on the date of service.

The CO group code means this amount is a contractual obligation: under most contracts you cannot bill it to the patient.

Common causes

Deleted or not-yet-effective code

How to fix it

Use the code valid on the date of service
Correct and resubmit

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.

Other codes

All denial codes →

Let us work your denials.

We triage every denial by code and payer, fix or appeal it, and stop it repeating.

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CO-181Procedure code was invalid on the date of service