OakClaim
CO-13Contractual ObligationEligibility

CO-13 Denial Code: Date of death precedes date of service

The date of death precedes the date of service.

Why CO-13 happens

  • Wrong DOS keyed on the claim
  • Payer has an incorrect date of death on file
  • Identity mix-up between patients

How to fix a CO-13 denial

  1. 1

    Verify the actual DOS from the medical record

  2. 2

    If the payer's death date is wrong, have the patient/family correct it with SSA or the plan

  3. 3

    Resubmit with documentation

How to prevent it

Double-check DOS entry; act quickly on these — they often signal identity errors.

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