CO-16 — Claim lacks information or has a submission error
Claim-adjustment reason code 16 · typically reported as CO-16
What it means
A catch-all: something required is missing or malformed. The accompanying remark (RARC) code tells you what — read it together with this code.
Why DME claims hit it
- Missing ordering-provider NPI or name mismatch
- Missing CMN/SWO-driven data elements for the item
- Invalid HCPCS/modifier combination or missing required attachment indicator
How to fix it
- Find the paired remark code on the remit — it names the missing element
- Fix exactly that element and resubmit; don’t shotgun-resubmit unchanged claims
Appeal posture
Not appealable as-is — it’s a fix-and-resubmit denial.
Related denial codes
CO-4 — Modifier missing or inconsistent with the procedureCO-206 — NPI missingCO-226 — Requested records not received from providerCO-252 — Attachment / documentation required
Looking up an item instead? Browse the HCPCS code library for fee schedule amounts and PA flags.
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