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CO-61 - Denial Journal
CARC CO — Contractual Obligation

CO-61

Adjusted for failure to obtain second surgical opinion

What This Code Means

Payment was reduced because a required second surgical opinion wasn’t obtained before the procedure.

Common Causes

  • Plan requires second opinion for certain elective procedures
  • Second opinion requirement not identified before scheduling surgery

How to Resolve or Appeal

  1. Confirm which procedures require a second opinion under this plan
  2. Appeal with documentation if a second opinion was in fact obtained but not submitted

Educational reference only — not medical or legal advice. Always confirm code usage and appeal rights with the specific payer.

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