Denial Code 273 (CO-273, PR-273) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 273 means: Coverage or program limits have been exceeded.
What to do about denial code 273: Confirm the limit with your insurer.
CO-273 vs PR-273 vs OA-273: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-273 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-273 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-273 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (273) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 273 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 272Coverage/program guidelines weren't met.
CARC 288A referral is required but was not provided.
CARC 256This service isn't payable under a managed-care contract.
CARC 295The prior authorization on file doesn't match this claim.
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 273
What does denial code 273 mean on my EOB?
Coverage or program limits have been exceeded.
What should I do about denial code 273?
Confirm the limit with your insurer.
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.