Healthcare Error Code
Healthcare Insurance / Medical Billing
Eligibility & Coverage (270/271)
AAA-79 | Invalid participant ID
Industry
Healthcare
Canonical
/healthcare/error-codes/aaa-79/
Last Updated
Feb 25, 2026
Summary
This code indicates that the participant identifier submitted is not valid according to payer records.
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What This Code Means
AAA-79 is returned when the participant ID does not conform to payer requirements or cannot be validated. The participant ID is used to uniquely identify an individual within the eligibility system. When invalid, eligibility processing cannot continue. This does not imply that coverage is absent. It reflects an identifier validation failure.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- 271 eligibility responses
- Eligibility inquiry result screens
- Clearinghouse transaction logs
Why This Code Appears
- Incorrect or incomplete participant ID entered
- ID format does not meet payer specifications
- Mismatch between ID and subscriber record
What Typically Happens Next
- Eligibility response is not completed
- Inquiry must be corrected
- No coverage details are returned
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a denial of benefits
- It is not a termination notice
- It is not a claim processing result
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Verify participant ID accuracy
- □ Review payer formatting requirements
- □ Confirm subscriber relationship
Notes And Edge Cases
Some payers require specific formatting for participant IDs. System updates may affect ID validation rules.
Related Codes
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