Healthcare Error Code
Healthcare Insurance / Medical Billing
Eligibility & Coverage (270/271)
AAA-72 | Patient not found
Industry
Healthcare
Canonical
/healthcare/error-codes/aaa-72/
Last Updated
Feb 25, 2026
Summary
This code indicates that the payer could not locate a patient record matching the information submitted in the eligibility inquiry.
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What This Code Means
AAA-72 is returned when the eligibility system cannot match the patient details provided in the 270 inquiry to any record on file. This response reflects a data matching issue rather than a coverage determination. It does not indicate that the patient lacks insurance coverage. The issue arises at the identification stage before eligibility can be assessed. Small discrepancies in patient information can prevent successful matching.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- 271 eligibility response transactions
- Eligibility inquiry reports
- Practice management system eligibility results
Why This Code Appears
- Patient demographic information does not match payer records
- Incomplete or inaccurate patient identifiers submitted
- Recent enrollment changes not yet reflected
What Typically Happens Next
- Eligibility status is not returned
- The inquiry is considered unsuccessful
- A corrected inquiry may be required
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a coverage denial
- It is not a termination notice
- It is not a claim adjudication result
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Verify patient demographic information
- □ Confirm identifiers used in the inquiry
- □ Recheck eligibility submission details
Notes And Edge Cases
Eligibility databases may lag behind enrollment updates. Differences in name formatting or data entry standards can affect matching outcomes.
Related Codes
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