Who has to pay after a code 148 denial?

Usually the provider's problem — not yours. The letters in front of the number matter: CO (contractual obligation) usually means an in-network provider must absorb it, while PR (patient responsibility) means the plan says you owe it.

How long do I have to appeal?

It depends on your coverage: 180 days for most employer and marketplace plans, 120 days for Original Medicare, about 90 days for Medicaid (varies by state), and only 65 days for Medicare Advantage. Set your deadline clock before you do anything else.

All denial codes · code 148

Denial code 148: what it means — and how to fight it

Denial code 148 (shown on your EOB as CO-148 or PR-148) means: “Information from another provider was not provided or was insufficient/incomplete.” In plain English: A different doctor or facility involved in your care did not send the records the plan asked for.

high appealability Usually the provider's problem — not yours

What they're really saying

“Information from another provider was not provided or was insufficient/incomplete.”

A different doctor or facility involved in your care did not send the records the plan asked for.

Your odds

Strong — this type of denial has real weaknesses.

Often paid once the missing records arrive, so speed matters more than argument.

Fewer than 1 in 100 denied claims are ever appealed. When people do appeal, roughly 4 in 10 win the first round — and independent external review overturns 40–50% of what reaches it.

How to appeal a code 148 denial

Decode. You just did — this page is step one.
Set your clock. 180 days for most employer and marketplace plans, 120 for Original Medicare, ~90 for Medicaid, only 65 for Medicare Advantage.
Urgent? If this is care you still need, call and request an expedited appeal — they must decide within 72 hours.
Ask the plan to name the provider and the exact records they are waiting for. Ask the plan exactly which provider and which records are missing, in writing. Then call that provider's medical records department yourself and ask them to send it directly to the plan, with the claim number. You can also request your own copy and submit it. Watch the appeal clock while this happens.
Send it certified. Letter plus evidence, keep copies of everything.
Escalate. Denied again? Independent external review — a doctor who doesn't work for your insurer decides.

Do it in minutes, free

The AppealClock tool translates your denial, drafts your appeal letter, computes your exact deadline — and watches the clock so you don't have to. No account. Your medical details never leave your device.

Start your appeal & set your clock →

Common questions

What does denial code 148 mean?: A different doctor or facility involved in your care did not send the records the plan asked for.
Can I appeal a CO-148 or PR-148 denial?: Yes. Appealing is free and it is your legal right. For this code the odds are high: Often paid once the missing records arrive, so speed matters more than argument. Fewer than 1 in 100 denials are ever appealed — insurers count on silence.
Who has to pay after a code 148 denial?: Usually the provider's problem — not yours. The letters in front of the number matter: CO (contractual obligation) usually means an in-network provider must absorb it, while PR (patient responsibility) means the plan says you owe it.
How long do I have to appeal?: It depends on your coverage: 180 days for most employer and marketplace plans, 120 days for Original Medicare, about 90 days for Medicaid (varies by state), and only 65 days for Medicare Advantage. Set your deadline clock before you do anything else.