Error code
L7 — Not allowed - referred specimen
Specimen referred out
The specimen was referred to another laboratory, so the referring lab can't bill the test the other lab performed.
What to do: Check whether the specimen was referred; if so, the performing laboratory bills the test.
- Code
- L7
- Description
- Not allowed - referred specimen
Explanation
Updated October 26, 2026
L7 means the service isn't payable because the specimen was referred to another lab. The lab that did the test bills it.
What it means
L7 means the service is not allowed because the specimen was referred. When a specimen is sent on to another laboratory, the referring lab can't bill for the test the other lab performed.
Common causes
- A referring lab billed for a test performed elsewhere
How to fix it
- Check whether the specimen was referred to another laboratory.
- If it was, the performing laboratory bills the test.
- If you believe the decision is wrong, send a Remittance Advice Inquiry (RAI) through eSubmit, or on form 0918-84, within 7 months of the RA date, with supporting details.
Don't resubmit if
- The specimen was referred out.
- The line is already on your RA. Question it with an RAI, not a new claim.
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