Denial Code 246 (CO-246, PR-246) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 246 means: This service isn't payable per a payer's review decision.
What to do about denial code 246: If you believe this is wrong, you can appeal with supporting notes from your doctor.
CO-246 vs PR-246 vs OA-246: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-246 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-246 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-246 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (246) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 246 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 243Services aren't authorized by network or plan providers.
CARC 251The attachment or documentation needed to process this is missing.
CARC 242Services weren't provided by network or approved providers.
CARC 253A federal sequestration (across-the-board) reduction 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 246
What does denial code 246 mean on my EOB?
This service isn't payable per a payer's review decision.
What should I do about denial code 246?
If you believe this is wrong, you can appeal with supporting notes from your doctor.
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.