Denial Code 288 (CO-288, PR-288) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 288 means: A referral is required but was not provided.
What to do about denial code 288: Ask the provider's billing office to explain or correct this, and resubmit if needed.
CO-288 vs PR-288 vs OA-288: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-288 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-288 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-288 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (288) tells you why.
Related codes
CARC 273Coverage or program limits have been exceeded.
CARC 295The prior authorization on file doesn't match this claim.
CARC 272Coverage/program guidelines weren't met.
CARC 256This service isn't payable under a managed-care contract.
Keep reviewing your bill
- Medical Bill vs EOB: What Is the Difference?
- How to Dispute a Medical Bill — Find Billing Errors Before You Pay
Frequently asked questions about Denial code 288
What does denial code 288 mean on my EOB?
A referral is required but was not provided.
What should I do about denial code 288?
Ask the provider's billing office to explain or correct this, and resubmit if needed.
Found this code on your bill or EOB?
Upload the document — MD Bill Check decodes every code, checks the math line by line, and explains what's worth questioning.