CommonContractual Obligation (CO)Timely Filing
CO-29: Timely filing limit exceeded
The claim was not submitted within the payer's timely filing deadline. Each payer sets a specific window (typically 90-365 days from the date of service or date of denial) within which claims must be submitted. Once this window closes, the claim cannot be paid regardless of its validity.
Common Causes
- Claim was not submitted within the contractual filing deadline
- Original claim was denied and the corrected claim was not resubmitted in time
- Coordination of benefits delay -- waiting on primary payer caused secondary deadline to lapse
- Claim was sent to the wrong payer initially, and by the time it was rerouted, the deadline passed
- Internal billing backlog or staff turnover caused processing delays
How to Resolve CO-29
- 1Check the specific timely filing limit for this payer (varies by payer and plan)
- 2If the claim was originally filed on time, appeal with proof of timely submission (clearinghouse report, confirmation number)
- 3If delayed due to COB, provide documentation showing when the primary payer paid/denied
- 4If the payer caused the delay (e.g., incorrect denial that was later overturned), document the timeline
- 5As a last resort, file a formal grievance with the state insurance commissioner
How to Prevent CO-29 Denials
- Submit all claims within 48 hours of service
- Track claim filing deadlines by payer in a centralized reference
- Run a weekly aging report to catch claims approaching filing deadlines
- Document all claim submission dates with clearinghouse confirmation reports
- Set up automated alerts at 60, 90, and 120 days post-service for unresolved claims
Related Denial Codes
Stop Denials Before They Happen
Greenlight automates the entire prior authorization and eligibility verification workflow, preventing the most common denial codes before claims are ever submitted.
See How It Works