Claim adjustment reason code

Denial code CO-8 meaning

CARC 8, usually seen as CO-8: The payer does not expect this procedure from a provider with the type or specialty on the claim.

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Reason code
CARC 8
Short name
Code does not fit the provider type or specialty
Plain meaning
The payer does not expect this procedure from a provider with the type or specialty on the claim.
Group codes
CO-8: 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 rendering provider's taxonomy or specialty on file with the payer does not cover this service.
  • The wrong rendering provider was billed.

What to check before resubmitting

  1. Check the rendering provider's taxonomy in NPPES and in the payer's enrollment record.
  2. Bill under the correct rendering provider.

Remark codes that often come with it

Related reason codes

Related pages

Questions

What does denial code CO-8 mean?

The payer does not expect this procedure from a provider with the type or specialty on the claim. This is Rivvi's plain-English summary of CARC 8. X12's exact wording is on x12.org.

How do I fix CO-8?

Check the rendering provider's taxonomy in NPPES and in the payer's enrollment record. Bill under the correct rendering provider.

Can I bill the patient for CO-8?

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 8?

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.

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