1What Is the A190 OHIP Code?
The A190 code pertains to a Special Psychiatric Consultation within the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This billing code applies when a psychiatrist offers an in-depth assessment requiring at least 75 minutes of direct patient contact. Such consultations are typically reserved for complex psychiatric conditions requiring comprehensive evaluation and intervention.
Clinicians may overlook the A190 code when thorough documentation of consultation times is incomplete. Ensuring accurate record-keeping can facilitate proper billing and reimbursement for these intensive services.
2Related Codes
| Code | Name | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A195 | Standard Psychiatric Consultation | Common | Consultations under 75 minutes should be billed with this code. |
3Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for billing under A190, the service must be a Special Psychiatric Consultation with all standard consultation elements and a minimum of 75 minutes of direct patient contact. The start and stop times of the service must be recorded in the patient's permanent medical record to validate the duration.
- Direct contact: Minimum of 75 minutes
- Documentation: Record start and stop times in the medical record
4What Your Clinical Note Must Show
Ensure the following details are meticulously recorded to meet OHIP billing standards:
- Start time of the consultation
- Stop time of the consultation
- Total duration of direct patient contact
5Weak vs. Strong Note Examples
The strong note succeeds by clearly documenting the start and stop times and encompassing a detailed summary of the consultation, ensuring eligibility for A190 billing. The weak note fails to record necessary time details and lacks a comprehensive description.
Consultation completed. Discussed patient issues and treatment plans.
Consultation with patient Jane Doe commenced at 10:00 AM and concluded at 11:30 AM. Total direct patient contact time was 90 minutes. Discussed detailed psychiatric history, conducted mental status examination, and reviewed treatment options.
- Recorded precise start and stop times
- Outlined comprehensive content covered
