Who has to pay after a code 250 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 250

Denial code 250: what it means — and how to fight it

Denial code 250 (shown on your EOB as CO-250 or PR-250) means: “The attachment/other documentation that was received was incomplete or deficient.” In plain English: Records were sent, but the plan says they were missing pages, unreadable, or not what was asked for.

high appealability Usually the provider's problem — not yours

What they're really saying

“The attachment/other documentation that was received was incomplete or deficient.”

Records were sent, but the plan says they were missing pages, unreadable, or not what was asked for.

Your odds

Strong — this type of denial has real weaknesses.

Commonly paid once complete records arrive — the fight is logistical, not clinical.

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 250 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 state in writing exactly which documents were incomplete. Ask the plan in writing exactly what is missing or unreadable, page by page if possible. Have the provider resend by the plan's preferred method, since faxed records often arrive degraded. Get a confirmation number for the resubmission and note the date, because the appeal clock keeps running.
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 250 mean?: Records were sent, but the plan says they were missing pages, unreadable, or not what was asked for.
Can I appeal a CO-250 or PR-250 denial?: Yes. Appealing is free and it is your legal right. For this code the odds are high: Commonly paid once complete records arrive — the fight is logistical, not clinical. Fewer than 1 in 100 denials are ever appealed — insurers count on silence.
Who has to pay after a code 250 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.