Healthcare Error Code
Healthcare Insurance / Medical Billing
Claim Adjustment Reason Codes (CARC)
CO-52 | Missing provider signature
Industry
Healthcare
Canonical
/healthcare/error-codes/co-52/
Last Updated
Feb 25, 2026
Summary
This code indicates that a required provider signature was missing from the claim or supporting documentation.
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What This Code Means
CO-52 is applied when payer rules require a provider signature and it is not present or not validated. Signatures confirm authorization and accountability. This is an administrative compliance issue rather than a coverage determination. The claim may be eligible for reprocessing once signature requirements are met.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- Remittance advice
- Documentation request notices
- Claim rejection reports
Why This Code Appears
- Required signature not submitted
- Signature not recognized by payer systems
- Documentation incomplete
What Typically Happens Next
- Claim processing is delayed or denied
- Reprocessing may be required
- Payment is not finalized
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a service denial
- It is not patient responsibility
- It is not a contractual adjustment
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Review signature requirements
- □ Confirm documentation completeness
- □ Monitor claim status
Notes And Edge Cases
Electronic signature rules vary by payer. Some services have stricter signature requirements.
Related Codes
8 links
- CO-33 CodeInsufficient documentation
- N286 CodeMissing/incomplete documentation
- CO-197 CodePrecertification required
- CO-21 CodeMissing/invalid place of service
- CO-131 CodeClaim-specific negotiated discount
- CO-141 CodeClaim adjusted by payer
- CO-16 CodeClaim lacks required information
- CO-29 CodeTime limit expired
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