Denial Code 131 (CO-131, PR-131) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 131 means: A negotiated or contractual discount was applied.
What to do about denial code 131: For in-network care this is a normal write-off, not your cost.
CO-131 vs PR-131 vs OA-131: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-131 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-131 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-131 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (131) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 131 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 130A claim submission fee was applied.
CARC 132A prearranged demonstration-project adjustment was applied.
CARC 129Prior processing information for this claim is incorrect.
CARC 133The service is still under review (not final).
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 131
What does denial code 131 mean on my EOB?
A negotiated or contractual discount was applied.
What should I do about denial code 131?
For in-network care this is a normal write-off, not your cost.
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.