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Denial codes

CO-45

Charge above the allowed amount

Not a denial: it's the network discount. With CO-45, an in-network provider can't bill you the difference between their charge and the allowed amount.

Official meaning (X12 code 45): Charge exceeds fee schedule/maximum allowable or contracted/legislated fee arrangement.

Who pays

CO-45. Contractual obligation: the provider's contract with your plan makes this the provider's write-off. An in-network provider generally can't bill you for a CO amount.

What to do

  1. If you're billed for a CO-45 amount by an in-network provider, dispute it: that's balance billing.
  2. Out-of-network? Check the No Surprises Act.

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General information, not legal or medical advice. Owed is a document-preparation and sending service, not a law firm.