Denial Code 201 (CO-201, PR-201) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 201 means: This amount is the patient's responsibility under a workers' comp rule.
What to do about denial code 201: Confirm with the workers' comp payer.
CO-201 vs PR-201 vs OA-201: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-201 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-201 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-201 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (201) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 201 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 200Expenses were incurred during a lapse in coverage.
CARC 222This exceeds the contracted maximum number of hours/days/units.
CARC 199A revenue code and procedure code don't match.
CARC 223A mandated federal/state adjustment was applied.
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 201
What does denial code 201 mean on my EOB?
This amount is the patient's responsibility under a workers' comp rule.
What should I do about denial code 201?
Confirm with the workers' comp payer.
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.