Claim adjustment reason code
Denial code CO-170 meaning
CARC 170, usually seen as CO-170: The payer does not pay this service when this type of provider bills it.
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- Reason code
- CARC 170
- Short name
- Not paid when billed by this provider type
- Plain meaning
- The payer does not pay this service when this type of provider bills it.
- Group codes
- CO-170: 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 provider type on file is not allowed to bill the code.
What to check before resubmitting
- Check the provider's enrollment type.
- Bill under a provider type the payer allows.
Remark codes that often come with it
Related reason codes
Related pages
Questions
What does denial code CO-170 mean?
The payer does not pay this service when this type of provider bills it. This is Rivvi's plain-English summary of CARC 170. X12's exact wording is on x12.org.
How do I fix CO-170?
Check the provider's enrollment type. Bill under a provider type the payer allows.
Can I bill the patient for CO-170?
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 170?
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.