Denial Code 19 (CO-19, PR-19) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 19 means: This is treated as a work-injury claim, so workers' compensation should be billed.
What to do about denial code 19: Confirm whether this should go to workers' comp instead of your health plan.
CO-19 vs PR-19 vs OA-19: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-19 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-19 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-19 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (19) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 19 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 15The authorization number is missing, invalid, or doesn't apply to this service.
CARC 20This is treated as an auto-accident claim, so auto insurance should be billed.
CARC 13The date of service is after the patient's date of death on record.
CARC 21This is treated as another party's liability (someone else's insurance).
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 19
What does denial code 19 mean on my EOB?
This is treated as a work-injury claim, so workers' compensation should be billed.
What should I do about denial code 19?
Confirm whether this should go to workers' comp instead of your health plan.
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.