Denial Code CO 129 | Description, Reasons, Next Steps & How To Avoid It
CO 129 indicates that the submitted claim contains a procedure modifier that is not appropriate for the date of service for a new patient.
Description: Denial code CO 129 refers to “New patient procedure modifier is invalid for the date of service.”
Common Reasons for Denial CO 129
- Incorrect use of a new patient procedure modifier.
- Submitting a claim for a patient who is not considered a new patient.
- Using an outdated or invalid procedure modifier for the date of service.
- Incorrectly coding the patient’s status as new when they are an established patient.
Next Steps
- Review the patient’s records to determine if they are indeed a new patient or an established patient.
- Verify the correct use of procedure modifiers for the date of service.
- Correct any errors in the claim, such as updating the patient’s status or using the appropriate procedure modifier.
- Resubmit the corrected claim to the insurance company for processing.
How to Avoid Denial CO 129 in the Future
To avoid denial code CO 129 in the future, follow these best practices:
- Ensure accurate and up-to-date patient records, including their status as new or established patients.
- Stay informed about changes in procedure modifiers and their appropriate usage for specific dates of service.
- Train your billing staff to correctly use procedure modifiers and identify potential errors before submitting claims.
- Implement a thorough claim review process to catch and correct errors before submission.
