Denial Code 118 (CO-118, PR-118) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 118 means: Charges were reduced for a specific health program requirement.
What to do about denial code 118: Ask the provider's billing office to explain or correct this, and resubmit if needed.
CO-118 vs PR-118 vs OA-118: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-118 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-118 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-118 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (118) tells you why.
Related codes
CARC 117Transportation is only covered to the nearest appropriate facility.
CARC 121An outstanding balance from a previous period was applied.
CARC 116A pre-treatment estimate was given; this shows what would be covered.
CARC 122This is a non-covered charge because it's a routine/screening exam.
Keep reviewing your bill
- Medical Bill vs EOB: What Is the Difference?
- How to Dispute a Medical Bill — Find Billing Errors Before You Pay
Frequently asked questions about Denial code 118
What does denial code 118 mean on my EOB?
Charges were reduced for a specific health program requirement.
What should I do about denial code 118?
Ask the provider's billing office to explain or correct this, and resubmit if needed.
Found this code on your bill or EOB?
Upload the document — MD Bill Check decodes every code, checks the math line by line, and explains what's worth questioning.