M127 remark code

Remittance advice remark code M127. Remark codes add detail to the reason code on the same claim line.

Medical record for the service is missing

Unofficial reference. This is our own plain-English explanation, not the official code text. Payer rules differ. Verify with the payer and the official X12 code list. AlphaPrefix is not affiliated with X12, CMS or any payer. Data last updated Nov 11, 2026.

What M127 means

The payer needed the patient's medical record for this service and did not receive it.

The payer asked for, or its policy requires, medical records before it can decide this claim, and none were received. The service is denied or held until the records arrive.

It often comes with reason code 16 or 252. Many payers accept the records as a response or appeal rather than a new claim.

Common causes

• A records request letter was not answered in time.
• Records were sent but not linked to the right claim.
• The service requires records with every claim and none were attached.

What to do next

1. Check for any records request from the payer and its deadline.
2. Send the complete record with the claim number and patient details on each page.
3. Follow up to confirm the payer received and attached the records.

Related codes

• 252 (reason code) Attachment or documentation required
• 16 (reason code) Missing information or billing error
• M25 (remark code) Documentation does not support the level