Denial Code 189 (CO-189, PR-189) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 189 means: A not-otherwise-classified code was used when a specific code exists.
What to do about denial code 189: Ask the provider's billing office to explain or correct this, and resubmit if needed.
CO-189 vs PR-189 vs OA-189: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-189 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-189 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-189 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (189) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 189 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 188This product/procedure is only covered when used with another service.
CARC 192A non-standard adjustment was applied by the plan.
CARC 187This relates to a consumer-spending-account (like an HSA/FSA) payment.
CARC 193The original claim was rejected or denied for a coverage reason.
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 189
What does denial code 189 mean on my EOB?
A not-otherwise-classified code was used when a specific code exists.
What should I do about denial code 189?
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.