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176
CO - Contractual ObligationCoding/Billing
Denial Code CO-176: Services Not Billed Within Timely Period
What Does Code 176 Mean?
Claim was not submitted within the required timely filing period established by the payer. Different from code 29 which is more general.
Group Code CO (Contractual Obligation): The provider has agreed to accept the payer's determination. The patient is generally not responsible for this amount.
Why Does This Happen?
Claim filing deadline missed, specific to the payer's contractual requirement.
How to Resolve It
- 1Verify the payer's specific timely filing deadline
- 2Provide proof of timely filing if claim was sent on time
- 3Appeal with documentation of extenuating circumstances
- 4Check if state prompt-pay laws extend the deadline
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