What CO-8 means
The payer does not accept this service from a provider with this specialty or taxonomy.
The CO group code means this amount is a contractual obligation: under most contracts you cannot bill it to the patient.
Common causes
- Wrong rendering provider or taxonomy code
- Service outside the provider's enrolled specialty
How to fix it
- Check the rendering provider's taxonomy on the claim and with the payer
- Correct the rendering provider if it was wrong
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.