Error code
X5 — Only 1 bone density (BMD) test allowed within 12 months for high-risk patients
Bone density test too soon
The bone density test was refused because the patient already had one in the last 12 months.
What to do: Check the patient's bone density history; if the test was within 12 months of the last one, there is nothing to fix.
- Code
- X5
- Description
- Only 1 bone density (BMD) test allowed within 12 months for high-risk patients
Explanation
Updated October 26, 2026
OHIP refused this bone density (BMD) test because one was already paid in the last 12 months. Check the patient's BMD history.
What it means
Code X5 means the Ministry allows only one bone mineral density (BMD) test within a 12-month period for a high-risk patient, and an earlier BMD test falls inside that period.
The current Schedule (D16–D17) sets these limits: baseline test (X145, X146) once per lifetime; non-high-risk subsequent test (X142, X148) once every 60 months; high-risk or therapy-monitoring test (X149, X155) once every 36 months; and a test for patient-specific risk factors (X236, X237) at most once every 12 months, only when the clinical situation needs testing more often than every 36 months.
Common causes
- A repeat BMD within 12 months of the patient's last BMD test, at any facility
How to fix it
- Check the patient's BMD history.
- If the test was within 12 months of the last one, 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