How do I fix OHIP error code E3?

Ask the patient for their current card, or run a health card validation check, and compare the health number and version code with the claim. Correct the patient's chart. If you can't get the card from the patient, physicians registered as health information custodians can request the health number and version code from ServiceOntario's Health Number Release service (the 24x7 Help Desk or form 1265-84). Send a Remittance Advice Inquiry (RAI) through eSubmit, or on form 0918-84, within 7 months of the RA date, with the correct version code.

When shouldn't I resubmit a E3 claim?

You haven't confirmed the correct version code. The claim is already on your RA. A new claim for the same service will be treated as a duplicate. Use an RAI instead.

< Error codes

Error code

E3 — Version code not on file for this health number

Q: What does OHIP error code E3 mean?

E3 means the version code on the claim is not on file for that health number. Check the patient's card and correct the version code.

Version code not on file

The version code on the claim was never issued for that health number, usually a typing error or copied from another card.

What to do: Check the patient's current card or validate it, then correct the health number and version code.

Code: E3
Description: Version code not on file for this health number

Explanation

Updated October 26, 2026

E3 means the version code on the claim is not on file for that health number. Check the patient's card and correct the version code.

What it means

E3 appears on the Remittance Advice (RA) when the version code on the claim has never been issued for that health number. This is different from E2, where the version code exists but wasn't valid on the service date.

It usually points to a typing error, or a version code copied from another patient or another card.

Common causes

A typing error in the version code
A version code entered on a health number that has none
The version code belongs to a different patient's card

How to fix it

Ask the patient for their current card, or run a health card validation check, and compare the health number and version code with the claim.
Correct the patient's chart.
If you can't get the card from the patient, physicians registered as health information custodians can request the health number and version code from ServiceOntario's Health Number Release service (the 24x7 Help Desk or form 1265-84).
Send a Remittance Advice Inquiry (RAI) through eSubmit, or on form 0918-84, within 7 months of the RA date, with the correct version code.

Don't resubmit if

You haven't confirmed the correct version code.
The claim is already on your RA. A new claim for the same service will be treated as a duplicate. Use an RAI instead.

How APEX handles it

APEX reads your error reports and remittance advice from MCEDT and lists claims rejected with this code in its Correction Centre for you to correct and resubmit. See how APEX works · Pricing

Related codes: E2, EH2, VH4, EV