OakClaim
CO-163Contractual ObligationDocumentation

CO-163 Denial Code: Referenced attachment not received

The claim said documentation was coming (PWK segment/attachment indicator) but the payer never got it.

Why CO-163 happens

  • Attachment control number mismatch between claim and submission
  • Fax/upload failed or went to the wrong payer channel

How to fix a CO-163 denial

  1. 1

    Resubmit the attachment through the payer's documented channel referencing the claim/PWK number

  2. 2

    Confirm receipt before the payer's deadline lapses into CO-226/227

How to prevent it

Use trackable electronic attachment channels (275 transactions or portal uploads) over fax.

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