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EOB Walkthrough

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

Written by Aptiva Health Editorial TeamReviewed by Crystal Brake, RCM Director and Taylor Sorrels, Esq.Editorial & review standardsHow we research

In short

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) shows how your plan handled a claim, and it is not a bill. This walkthrough uses three made-up sample EOBs, for an MRI, a physical therapy visit and a denied injection. Select any line to see what it means and what to check on your own EOB before you pay or appeal.

Walk through a sample EOB

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) shows how your plan handled a claim. Pick a sample, then select any line to see what it means and what to check on your own EOB.

Loading the sample EOB…

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is the statement your health plan sends after it processes a claim. It shows what the provider billed, what the plan allowed and paid, and what you may owe.

How to use the walkthrough

  1. Pick a sample. Choose the MRI, the physical therapy visit or the denied injection.
  2. Select a line. Tap or click any line of the sample EOB.
  3. Read what it means. The panel explains the line in plain language.
  4. Check your own EOB. Each line also says what to look for on your EOB or bill.

What the three samples show

  • MRI: how a deductible and coinsurance add up to what you owe, and the in-network discount you should not be billed for.
  • Physical therapy visit: a copay, therapy billed in units of time, and a visit count against a yearly limit.
  • Denied injection: a denial for missing prior authorization under the “CO” group code, which usually means the provider, not you, is responsible.

Frequently asked questions

Is an EOB a bill?

No. An EOB explains how your plan processed a claim. You pay from the provider’s bill. Compare the two before you pay.

What do CO and PR mean?

They are group codes. “PR” means patient responsibility, such as a deductible, coinsurance or copay. “CO” means contractual obligation: the provider’s contract with the plan covers it, so it usually should not be billed to you.

My EOB shows a denial. What next?

Find the reason code, then use the Denial Decoder to see what it means and how to appeal. Note the deadline on your denial letter.

Sources

Cite this page

Last updated . Reviewed by Crystal Brake, RCM Director; Taylor Sorrels, Esq.

APA

Aptiva Health Learning Hub. (2026, October 19). EOB Walkthrough. https://www.aptivalearninghub.com/tools/eob-walkthrough/

MLA

"EOB Walkthrough." Aptiva Health Learning Hub, 19 Oct. 2026, www.aptivalearninghub.com/tools/eob-walkthrough/.