What does denial code CO-22 mean?

Care may be covered by another payer (coordination of benefits). The payer believes another plan should pay first.

How do I fix a CO-22 denial?

Confirm coverage order with the patient and both plans. Bill the primary payer first; ask the patient to update their COB information with the plan.

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Claim adjustment reason code · Contractual obligation

CO-22
Care may be covered by another payer (coordination of benefits)

What CO-22 means

The payer believes another plan should pay first.

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

Common causes

Secondary payer billed as primary
Patient's other coverage not updated with the payer

How to fix it

Confirm coverage order with the patient and both plans
Bill the primary payer first; ask the patient to update their COB information with the plan

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 →

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CO-22Care may be covered by another payer (coordination of benefits)