Error code
EQG — Referring lab not registered with the Ministry
Referring lab not registered
The referring laboratory number on the claim isn't registered with the Ministry; these numbers must start with 5.
What to do: Check the referring lab number against the requisition or lab report, correct it, and resubmit.
- Code
- EQG
- Description
- Referring lab not registered with the Ministry
Explanation
Updated October 26, 2026
EQG means the referring laboratory number isn't registered with the Ministry. Check the referring lab number and resubmit.
What it means
EQG means the referring laboratory number on the claim is not registered with the Ministry of Health, so the claim was rejected. Referring laboratory numbers must start with 5 (5###).
Common causes
- A typing error in the referring lab number
- A number that is not a Ministry lab number was entered
How to fix it
- Check the referring lab number against the requisition or lab report.
- Correct the number on the claim.
- Resubmit the corrected claim within three months of the service date. If that window has passed but the claim was first submitted on time, use the Ministry's stale-dated resubmission process.
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