Denial code · Contractual Obligation (CO)
CO-197 denial code
There is no approval on file for this service.
What the code means
Official meaning: Precertification/authorization/notification/pre-treatment absent.
In plain words: There is no approval on file for this service.
The usual fix
Get the approval, or attach it to the claim, or appeal with the clinical record where the payer allows.
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.