Healthcare Error Code
Healthcare Insurance / Medical Billing
Claim Adjustment Reason Codes (CARC)
CO-16 | Claim lacks required information
Industry
Healthcare
Canonical
/healthcare/error-codes/co-16/
Last Updated
Feb 25, 2026
Summary
This code indicates that the claim is missing required information needed for processing.
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What This Code Means
CO-16 is applied when essential data elements are absent or incomplete on a claim. The insurer cannot complete adjudication without the missing information. This is a technical or administrative issue rather than a coverage decision. It does not imply the service is not covered. Once the required information is provided, the claim may be eligible for reprocessing.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- Claim rejection notices
- Provider remittance advice
- Claim status inquiries
Why This Code Appears
- Missing patient or provider identifiers
- Incomplete service details
- Required modifiers or codes absent
What Typically Happens Next
- The claim is not fully adjudicated
- Reprocessing may be required after correction
- Payment is delayed until resolved
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a coverage denial
- It is not a contractual adjustment
- It is not a permanent rejection
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Review claim submission requirements
- □ Verify all required fields are present
- □ Confirm payer-specific rules
Notes And Edge Cases
Some payers allow limited reprocessing windows. Different payers require different data elements. Electronic submissions reduce but do not eliminate this issue.
Related Codes
8 links
- CO-109 CodeClaim not covered by this payer
- M20 CodeMissing/incomplete data
- N30 CodePatient responsibility applies
- CO-21 CodeMissing/invalid place of service
- CO-52 CodeMissing provider signature
- CO-178 CodeClaim did not contain sufficient information
- CO-23 CodeImpact of prior payer adjudication
- CO-131 CodeClaim-specific negotiated discount
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