Healthcare Error Code
Healthcare Insurance / Medical Billing
Claim Adjustment Reason Codes (CARC)
CO-151 | Payment adjusted due to contractual agreement
Industry
Healthcare
Canonical
/healthcare/error-codes/co-151/
Last Updated
Feb 25, 2026
Summary
This code indicates that the payment amount was adjusted according to the provider’s contract with the payer.
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What This Code Means
CO-151 represents a contractual adjustment applied under negotiated reimbursement terms. The payer reduces the billed amount to match agreed-upon contract rates. This is a standard adjustment and does not indicate an error or denial. It reflects contractual obligations rather than coverage limitations. The adjusted amount is typically not billable to the patient.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- Provider remittance advice
- Contractual adjustment reports
- EOB statements
Why This Code Appears
- Contracted rates differ from billed charges
- Network participation agreements apply
- Standard reimbursement policies enforced
What Typically Happens Next
- Payment is finalized at the adjusted amount
- The adjusted balance is written off
- No additional claim action occurs
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a denial
- It is not patient responsibility
- It is not a billing error
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Reconcile adjustments internally
- □ Review contract terms periodically
- □ Monitor adjustment trends
Notes And Edge Cases
Different service lines may have different contract rates. Out-of-network claims may not use this adjustment. Multiple contractual adjustments may appear on one claim.
Related Codes
8 links
- CO-42 CodeCharges exceed provider’s contract
- CO-45 CodeCharge exceeds fee schedule
- CO-11 CodeDiagnosis inconsistent with procedure
- CO-133 CodeIncorrect provider type
- CO-170 CodePayment adjusted due to referral absence
- CO-200 CodeNon-covered service
- CO-65 CodeProcedure code invalid
- CO-131 CodeClaim-specific negotiated discount
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