Denial Code 45 (CO-45, PR-45) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 45 means: The charge was above the maximum allowed amount, and the excess was written off.
What to do about denial code 45: For in-network care, you normally should NOT be billed for this written-off amount.
CO-45 vs PR-45 vs OA-45: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-45 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-45 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-45 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (45) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 45 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 29The claim was submitted too late (past the filing deadline).
CARC 50The insurer decided this service was not medically necessary.
CARC 27Coverage had ended when this service was provided.
CARC 55The service is considered experimental or investigational by the plan.
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 45
What does denial code 45 mean on my EOB?
The charge was above the maximum allowed amount, and the excess was written off.
What should I do about denial code 45?
For in-network care, you normally should NOT be billed for this written-off amount.
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.