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234
CO - Contractual ObligationCoding/Billing
Denial Code CO-234: Bundled/Not Paid Separately
What Does Code 234 Mean?
This procedure is not paid separately. The service is considered part of another procedure and is bundled into that procedure's reimbursement.
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?
NCCI or payer-specific bundling edits consider this service part of another procedure.
How to Resolve It
- 1Review NCCI bundling edits
- 2Determine if a modifier (-59, -XE, -XS, -XP, -XU) is appropriate
- 3Document the distinct nature of each service
- 4Resubmit with appropriate modifier if warranted
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