Denial Code 122 (CO-122, PR-122) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 122 means: This is a non-covered charge because it's a routine/screening exam.
What to do about denial code 122: Check whether it should have been billed as a covered preventive service.
CO-122 vs PR-122 vs OA-122: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-122 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-122 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-122 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (122) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 122 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 121An outstanding balance from a previous period was applied.
CARC 125The claim was submitted with an error in how it was set up.
CARC 118Charges were reduced for a specific health program requirement.
CARC 128Newborn services must be billed under the mother's or baby's own coverage.
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 122
What does denial code 122 mean on my EOB?
This is a non-covered charge because it's a routine/screening exam.
What should I do about denial code 122?
Check whether it should have been billed as a covered preventive service.
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.