M170 | Missing data

Industry

Healthcare

Canonical

/insurance/healthcare/error-codes/m170/

Last Updated

Feb 25, 2026

Summary

This code indicates that required claim data was missing for CMS processing.

Learn More

Use these links to pivot between the directory, a focused guide, and nearby related codes.

Hub

Guides

The Complete Insurance Claim Denial Codes Directory (2026 Edition)

Related Codes

What This Code Means

M170 is applied when CMS cannot adjudicate a claim due to missing data. This is an administrative completeness issue rather than a coverage determination. The claim may be eligible for reprocessing once required data is supplied.

Where Users Usually See This Code

Medicare remittance advice
Claim rejection notices
CMS claim status summaries

Why This Code Appears

Required fields not completed
Data transmission issues
Submission errors

What Typically Happens Next

Claim processing stops
Reprocessing may be required
Payment is delayed

What This Code Is Not

It is not a coverage denial
It is not patient responsibility
It is not a contractual adjustment

Troubleshooting Checklist

□ Review required data fields
□ Confirm submission completeness
□ Monitor claim status

Notes And Edge Cases

CMS completeness rules vary by claim type. Electronic submissions reduce but do not eliminate missing data.

Related Codes

8 links