Denial Code 102 (CO-102, PR-102) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 102 means: A major medical adjustment was applied.
What to do about denial code 102: Ask the provider's billing office to explain or correct this, and resubmit if needed.
CO-102 vs PR-102 vs OA-102: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-102 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-102 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-102 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (102) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 102 on your EOB?
A denial code tells you what the payer reported, but it may not tell the whole story. Reviewing your EOB and bill together can help clarify what may need attention.
Related codes
CARC 101A predetermination (pre-check of benefits) was already given.
CARC 104A managed-care withholding was applied to the payment.
CARC 100Payment was made to the patient or another party, not the provider.
CARC 107A related service or claim is required but wasn't found.
Keep reviewing your bill
- Medical Bill vs EOB: What Is the Difference?
- How to Dispute a Medical Bill — Find Billing Errors Before You Pay
- What Is an Itemized Medical Bill? How to Request One
Frequently asked questions about Denial code 102
What does denial code 102 mean on my EOB?
A major medical adjustment was applied.
What should I do about denial code 102?
Ask the provider's billing office to explain or correct this, and resubmit if needed.
Seeing this code on your own EOB?
Upload the EOB, the bill, or both — MD Bill Check reads the codes on your documents, compares them side by side, and flags what's worth questioning. Free, no account needed.