Denial code · Contractual Obligation (CO)
CO-16 denial code
Something is missing from the claim, or a part of it was filled in wrong.
What the code means
Official meaning: Claim/service lacks information or has submission/billing error(s).
In plain words: Something is missing from the claim, or a part of it was filled in wrong.
The usual fix
Read the note codes on the payer's reply to see what is missing, add or fix that piece, and send the claim again corrected.
This is general information, not advice on a specific claim.
Learn on the job
Learn on the job with real denied claims.
Working denied claims is the medical claims desk's daily work. Read a code, find what is missing, fix the claim, or write the appeal.