How do I fix OHIP error code DC?

Find the earlier paid claim for the same patient and date. Add up what OHIP paid for both. If the total equals the higher of the two fees, the payment is correct and there is nothing to do. If the first claim was billed in error and you want only the second, ask for the correction through an RAI rather than a new claim. If you believe both services were payable in full, send a Remittance Advice Inquiry (RAI) through eSubmit, or on form 0918-84, within 7 months of the RA date, and explain why.

When shouldn't I resubmit a DC claim?

The two payments together equal the higher fee. That is the expected result. The claim is on the RA. Changes to paid claims go through an RAI. The Schedule doesn't allow both services on the same day.

< Error codes

Error code

DC — Earlier procedure not allowed with this one - fee adjusted to pay the difference

Q: What does OHIP error code DC mean?

OHIP had already paid a related service, so it paid only the difference on this one. Usually nothing is owed; check the total for both services.

Paid the difference

OHIP already paid a related service that day, so it paid this one minus that amount; together you receive the higher fee.

What to do: Add up both payments; if the total equals the higher fee, there is nothing to do.

Code: DC
Description: Earlier procedure not allowed with this one - fee adjusted to pay the difference

Explanation

Updated October 26, 2026

OHIP had already paid a related service, so it paid only the difference on this one. Usually nothing is owed; check the total for both services.

What it means

DC is a Remittance Advice (RA) explanatory code. The Ministry's wording is: procedure paid previously not allowed in addition to this procedure, fee adjusted to pay the difference.

Some services can't both be paid for the same patient on the same day. When the first one has already been paid, OHIP doesn't refuse the second outright. It pays the second service minus what it already paid for the first, so in total you get the higher fee.

A Ministry example is virtual care: if a limited virtual care service (A101A or A102A) was paid first and a comprehensive virtual service is then claimed for the same patient and day, the comprehensive service is reduced by the amount already paid, with DC. If that would bring it to $0 or less, it is paid $0 with D7 instead.

Common causes

Two services for the same patient and day where the Schedule only allows one, billed on separate claims
A limited virtual care visit (A101A or A102A) and a comprehensive virtual visit billed for the same patient on the same day
A lesser service billed first, then the more complete service billed later for the same encounter

How to fix it

Find the earlier paid claim for the same patient and date.
Add up what OHIP paid for both. If the total equals the higher of the two fees, the payment is correct and there is nothing to do.
If the first claim was billed in error and you want only the second, ask for the correction through an RAI rather than a new claim.
If you believe both services were payable in full, send a Remittance Advice Inquiry (RAI) through eSubmit, or on form 0918-84, within 7 months of the RA date, and explain why.

Don't resubmit if

The two payments together equal the higher fee. That is the expected result.
The claim is on the RA. Changes to paid claims go through an RAI.
The Schedule doesn't allow both services on the same day.

How APEX handles it

APEX has no correction rule for DC. Because the line was partly paid, the visit isn't listed in the Correction Centre. The line keeps its billed and paid amounts in your claims, so you can compare them. See how APEX works · Pricing

Related codes: D7, D5, VC, B7, B6