Healthcare Error Code
Healthcare Insurance / Medical Billing
Common CMS / Medicare Issues
M51 | Missing/incomplete provider information
Industry
Healthcare
Canonical
/healthcare/error-codes/m51/
Last Updated
Feb 25, 2026
Summary
This code indicates that provider information required by CMS was missing or incomplete.
Advertisement after-summary
Ad Space
What This Code Means
M51 is used when provider identifiers or enrollment information do not meet CMS requirements. Accurate provider data is essential for Medicare claim processing. This is an administrative validation issue, not a coverage decision. Claims may be eligible for reprocessing after correction.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- Medicare remittance advice
- Claim rejection messages
- CMS claim detail summaries
Why This Code Appears
- Missing provider identifiers
- Enrollment data not current
- Incomplete provider records
What Typically Happens Next
- Claim processing is halted
- Reprocessing may be required
- Payment is delayed
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a service denial
- It is not patient responsibility
- It is not a contractual adjustment
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Verify provider enrollment status
- □ Confirm identifier accuracy
- □ Review CMS requirements
Notes And Edge Cases
Provider enrollment updates may take time to reflect in CMS systems. Identifier formatting errors can also trigger this code.
Related Codes
8 links
Advertisement near-bottom
Ad Space