Error code
V63 — Referring lab number must start with 5
Invalid referring lab number
The referring laboratory number on the claim must start with 5 (5###).
What to do: Correct the referring lab number so it starts with 5, then resubmit.
- Code
- V63
- Description
- Referring lab number must start with 5
Explanation
Updated October 26, 2026
The referring laboratory number must start with 5 (5###). Correct it and resubmit.
What it means
V63 ("Referring Laboratory Number must start with 5 (5###)") means the referring lab number on the claim isn't in the required format.
This is a format check: the claim was rejected before OHIP assessed the service itself, so it usually pays once the field is corrected.
Common causes
- A typing error in the lab number
- A physician or other number entered in the lab field
How to fix it
- Check the referring lab's number.
- Correct it so it starts with 5.
- Resubmit the corrected claim. Resubmit within three months of the service date if you can. If that window has passed but the claim was first submitted on time, use the Ministry's stale-dated resubmission process: one stale-dated claim file through MCEDT, then an email to [email protected] with the Error Reports showing the original submission date.
Don't resubmit if
- You haven't changed anything. Sending the same claim again will reject the same way.
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