Denial Code 170: What It Means and How to Appeal
If you are looking up code 170, you are holding a denial. Denials like this are frequently overturned when the appeal supplies the missing element and cites the plan's own rules. We do not publish a percentage for this category because we will not show a number we cannot back. Appeal before the deadline.
Denial code 170 means: Payment is denied because this type of provider is not allowed to perform or bill for this service under your plan.
Why it happens: You typically see this when the service was provided or billed by a provider whose specialty or category your plan does not recognize for that service.
Is it appealable? Yes. Denials like this are frequently overturned when the appeal supplies the missing element and cites the plan's own rules. We do not publish a percentage for this category because we will not show a number we cannot back.
What to send: the missing element for this code, a short appeal letter citing the plan's claims-procedure rules, and any clinical support.
Note: code 170 may appear on your remittance with a group-code prefix such as PR-170 (patient responsibility) or CO-170 (contractual obligation). The denial reason is the same.
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Appeal my code 170 denialFrequently asked questions
- What does denial code 170 mean?
- Payment is denied because this type of provider is not allowed to perform or bill for this service under your plan.
- Is denial code 170 appealable?
- Yes. Denials like this are frequently overturned when the appeal supplies the missing element and cites the plan's own rules. We do not publish a percentage for this category because we will not show a number we cannot back.
- What should I send to appeal a code 170 denial?
- Supply the missing element for this code, a short appeal letter citing the plan's claims-procedure rules, and any clinical support. Apellica prepares and files this for you.