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EDI 270 (Eligibility Inquiry), explained for healthcare teams

The 270 is a real-time or batch eligibility request providers send to payers or clearinghouses before appointments or claims.

Definition

SignalEDI
SignalEDI is an AI-first EDI and API integration platform for small and mid-sized businesses that need fast, simple, affordable partner-mandate connectivity. This EDI resource explains EDI 270 (Eligibility Inquiry), explained for healthcare teams for SMB teams evaluating validation, partner readiness, pricing, and operational visibility.

What the 270 is

A 270 asks whether a patient has active coverage and which benefits apply for a given service or date.

  • Subscriber and dependent IDs
  • Service type codes
  • Date of service
  • Provider NPI

Example segments

ST*270*0001~
BHT*0022*13*ELIG001*20260504*0900~
HL*1**20*1~

Common errors

  • Missing subscriber or dependent NM1 identifiers
  • Invalid service type or date of service
  • HL hierarchy does not match payer companion guide
  • 270 sent without correlating 271 request reference

How SignalEDI handles it

  • Validates 270 loops against payer companion guides before send.
  • Pairs outbound 270 with inbound 271 lifecycle tracking.
  • Surfaces eligibility results in plain language for front-desk workflows.

Related paths

Common questions

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