Claim adjustment reason code
Denial code CO-117 meaning
CARC 117, usually seen as CO-117: The payer covers transport only to the closest appropriate facility.
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- Reason code
- CARC 117
- Short name
- Transport only to the closest facility
- Plain meaning
- The payer covers transport only to the closest appropriate facility.
- Group codes
- CO-117: Contractual obligation. The provider absorbs the amount under its contract or the payer's rules. Do not bill the patient for it.
Plain-English summary written by Rivvi. X12 owns the CARC list and its exact wording, which is not reproduced here. Read it on the X12 CARC list (list dated November 1, 2025, checked October 23, 2026). This page does not decide how a claim is paid.
Common causes
- The patient was taken past a closer facility that could treat them.
What to check before resubmitting
- Document why the closer facility was not appropriate.
- Bill the mileage to the closest facility, or appeal with the reason.
Related reason codes
Related pages
Questions
What does denial code CO-117 mean?
The payer covers transport only to the closest appropriate facility. This is Rivvi's plain-English summary of CARC 117. X12's exact wording is on x12.org.
How do I fix CO-117?
Document why the closer facility was not appropriate. Bill the mileage to the closest facility, or appeal with the reason.
Can I bill the patient for CO-117?
With group code CO, no. CO means the provider absorbs the amount under its contract or the payer's rules.
Which group codes come with CARC 117?
Most often CO (contractual obligation). The group code, not the reason code, says who owes the amount.
What is the difference between a CARC and a RARC?
A claim adjustment reason code (CARC) says why a claim line was paid differently than billed. A remittance advice remark code (RARC) adds detail, such as which field is missing.