Denial Code 39 (CO-39, PR-39) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 39 means: Authorization was requested but denied for this service.
What to do about denial code 39: If you believe this is wrong, you can appeal with supporting notes from your doctor.
CO-39 vs PR-39 vs OA-39: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-39 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-39 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-39 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (39) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 39 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 35You've reached the lifetime benefit maximum for this service.
CARC 40This was billed as urgent/emergency care but wasn't approved as such.
CARC 31The patient couldn't be identified as covered by this insurer.
CARC 44The charge was reduced because it was above the plan's fee schedule.
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 39
What does denial code 39 mean on my EOB?
Authorization was requested but denied for this service.
What should I do about denial code 39?
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.