What CO-96 means
The service is not covered. A remark code usually explains why.
The CO group code means this amount is a contractual obligation: under most contracts you cannot bill it to the patient.
Common causes
- Service excluded from the patient's plan
- Missing information the payer needs to cover it
How to fix it
- Read the RARC for the specific reason
- Bill the patient only if they were told in advance or signed a waiver where required
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.