Denial Code 119 (CO-119, PR-119) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 119 means: A benefit maximum or limit for this service has been reached.
What to do about denial code 119: Review your plan's limits; confirm the count of services used is accurate.
CO-119 vs PR-119 vs OA-119: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-119 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-119 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-119 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (119) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 119 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 109This claim was sent to the wrong insurer or plan.
CARC 197Pre-authorization or pre-certification was required but not obtained.
CARC 97This service is already included (bundled) in the payment for another service, so it isn't paid separately.
CARC 204This service isn't covered under your current benefit plan.
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 119
What does denial code 119 mean on my EOB?
A benefit maximum or limit for this service has been reached.
What should I do about denial code 119?
Review your plan's limits; confirm the count of services used is accurate.
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.