All denial codes

CARC · CO group

CO-181

Procedure code was invalid on the date of service

Contractual obligation; provider write-off unless appealed

What it means
The CPT or HCPCS code was not valid on that date.
Likely cause
Annual code-set change not loaded into the EHR, or a deleted telehealth code still in a favorites list.
How to fix it
Update the code set each January, purge retired favorites, and rebill with the valid code.
Revenue impact
Fully recoverable, and a clear sign of stale EHR configuration.
  • coding
  • code set
  • configuration

Related codes

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