Error code
VM — Minor eye exam only allowed within eligibility period after a major eye exam
Minor eye exam too late
A minor eye assessment is only paid within the eligibility period after a major eye exam, and none qualified here.
What to do: Check the date of the patient's last major eye exam; if the minor assessment was outside the period, nothing to fix.
- Code
- VM
- Description
- Minor eye exam only allowed within eligibility period after a major eye exam
Explanation
Updated October 26, 2026
Code VM means an oculo-visual minor assessment is only paid within the eligibility period after a major eye exam. Check the earlier exam date.
What it means
The Ministry describes VM as: an oculo-visual minor assessment is only allowed within the eligibility period after a major oculo-visual examination. The line was refused or limited because it was outside that period, or no qualifying major exam was found.
"Major oculo-visual examination" is the optometry Schedule's name for the full eye exam. The physician Schedule counts it toward the same limits as a periodic OVA and a major eye examination (A115) (GP28, A11).
Common causes
- No major eye exam on record before the minor assessment
- The minor assessment fell outside the eligibility period
How to fix it
- Check the date of the patient's last major eye exam.
- If the minor assessment was outside the eligibility period, there is nothing to fix.
- If you believe the payment 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
- You disagree with how a claim already on the RA was paid. Use 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