1What Is the A008 OHIP Code?
A008, or the Mini Assessment code, is used within Family Medicine to assess a non-WSIB problem that arises during a visit primarily for a WSIB-related issue. It’s frequently billed when a patient comes in for a work-related injury follow-up but mentions another health concern that needs a brief evaluation.
This code can often be overlooked if the non-WSIB issue is perceived as minor or if time constraints seem prohibitive. However, proper documentation ensures compensation for addressing these additional patient concerns which, although secondary, require professional medical attention.
2Related Codes
| Code | Name | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A914 | GP focused practice comprehensive consultation by Video | Variable, based on specialty listing rules | Comprehensive consultation via video, designed for complex cases requiring detailed assessment. |
| A006 | Repeat consultation | Variable, based on specialty listing rules | Used for follow-up consultations that require less time than a comprehensive initial assessment. |
| A010 | GP focused practice consultation by Video | Variable, based on specialty listing rules | Initial consultation done via video for focused practice cases. |
| A011 | GP focused practice repeat consultation by Video | Variable, based on specialty listing rules | Follow-up via video similar to A006, for ongoing management. |
3Eligibility Requirements
The A008 Mini Assessment is eligible when done in conjunction with a WSIB-related minor assessment to address a non-WSIB problem. The Family Practice and Practice in General listing specifically requires the assessment to be for an unrelated problem to what the patient primarily visited for, which should be a WSIB-related issue. Importantly, accurate time recording is required as per General Preamble GP7; without logging the start and end times in the patient’s medical record, the service is not payable.
Moreover, A008 can be rendered virtually, in which case it is billed as A008A under the VIDEO OR TELEPHONE category. A008 can also apply to hospital in-patients as C008.
4What Your Clinical Note Must Show
Ensure the start and end times of the assessment are documented in the patient's medical records.
- Record start time of non-WSIB assessment
- Record end time of non-WSIB assessment
5Weak vs. Strong Note Examples
The strong note succeeds by clearly differentiating the non-WSIB issue, documenting the actions taken, and noting the time spent. The weak note lacks clarity on what was assessed and the time required.
Saw patient for follow-up visit about WSIB injury. Discussed unrelated headache.
Patient was seen for a WSIB-related back injury follow-up (A001) and expressed concerns about a persistent headache, unrelated to the work injury.
Mini assessment (A008) was conducted where I checked the neurological status and advised initial treatment. Visit was from 09:30 to 09:40.
- Chief complaint of headache unrelated to WSIB issue
- Documented full assessment and advice given
