CO-231
Mutually exclusive procedures cannot be done in the same day/setting
What This Code Means
NCCI edits flagged two procedures billed together as clinically mutually exclusive.
Common Causes
- Two procedures billed that logically can't both be performed in the same encounter
- Modifier used to bypass an edit that shouldn't be bypassed
How to Resolve or Appeal
- Review the NCCI edit table for the specific code pair
- Bill only the appropriate procedure, or correct coding if one was billed in error
More Denial Codes to Check
Educational reference only — not medical or legal advice. Always confirm code usage and appeal rights with the specific payer.