How do I fix OHIP error code EQK?

Check the specialty code on the claim. A100 needs specialty 00. Check that the master number is the one for the emergency department where you saw the patient. If the emergency department is not funded under an ED-AFA, A100 does not apply. Bill the appropriate other assessment code instead (Schedule A7 commentary). 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.

When shouldn't I resubmit a EQK claim?

You are not a family physician (specialty 00).

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Error code

EQK — Master number does not meet criteria

Q: What does OHIP error code EQK mean?

EQK means the master number on the claim doesn't meet the criteria for the fee. The Ministry's example is A100 billed with a specialty other than 00.

Master number doesn't qualify

The hospital master number doesn't meet the criteria for the fee billed, such as A100 billed with a specialty other than 00.

What to do: Check the specialty is 00 for A100 and the master number is for the emergency department where you saw the patient.

Code: EQK
Description: Master number does not meet criteria

Explanation

Updated October 26, 2026

EQK means the master number on the claim doesn't meet the criteria for the fee. The Ministry's example is A100 billed with a specialty other than 00.

What it means

EQK means the hospital master number on the claim does not meet the Ministry's criteria for the fee billed. The Ministry's example is A100 (General/Family physician emergency department assessment) billed with a specialty code other than 00.

A100 is for the patient's own family physician who assesses them in an emergency department funded under an Emergency Department Alternative Funding Agreement (ED-AFA). The hospital master number for that emergency department must be on the claim (Schedule A7).

Common causes

A100 billed under a specialty code other than 00 (Family Practice)
The master number on the claim is missing, wrong, or not an emergency department funded under an ED-AFA

How to fix it

Check the specialty code on the claim. A100 needs specialty 00.
Check that the master number is the one for the emergency department where you saw the patient.
If the emergency department is not funded under an ED-AFA, A100 does not apply. Bill the appropriate other assessment code instead (Schedule A7 commentary).
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.

Don't resubmit if

You are not a family physician (specialty 00).

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: EQL, HM, ESD, V28