CO-39Contractual ObligationAuthorization
CO-39 Denial Code: Services denied at time authorization was requested
Services were denied at the time authorization/pre-certification was requested.
Why CO-39 happens
- ●Auth request was denied but the service was performed anyway
- ●Service performed before auth determination
How to fix a CO-39 denial
- 1
Pull the original auth denial and its reason
- 2
Appeal with clinical documentation supporting medical necessity
- 3
Request a peer-to-peer review if available
How to prevent it
Hard-stop scheduling until authorization is approved.
Drowning in CO-39 denials?
OakClaim works every denial within 48 hours and builds prevention rules so they stop recurring.