1What Is the A244 OHIP Code?
What is the A244 OHIP Billing Code?
The A244 code is used for billing partial assessments in otolaryngology. This service involves a focused medical examination, requiring documentation of the history of the presenting complaint, necessary physical examination, advice to the patient, and record-keeping. It is commonly used for brief follow-ups, such as rechecking an ear after otitis treatment or reviewing an audiogram.
Physicians might overlook this billing option due to confusion over when a full assessment or consultation code applies instead. The A244 is applicable when only limited service pertinent to the treatment is required, which can be both efficient and appropriate in certain clinical scenarios.
2Related Codes
| Code | Name | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A243 | Specific assessment | As per specialty listing | Full specific assessment service for ENT. |
| C243 | Specific assessment | As per specialty listing | In-patient specific assessment for ENT. |
| C244 | Specific re-assessment | As per specialty listing | In-patient specific re-assessment for ENT. |
| A935 | Special surgical consultation | As per specialty listing | Comprehensive consultation for surgical considerations in ENT. |
3Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements for A244
- Service Requirements: The assessment must include a history of the presenting complaint, a necessary physical examination, and advice to the patient, completed with appropriate record-keeping.
- Time Recording: Physicians must accurately record the start and end times of the service in the patient's permanent medical record.
- Virtual Care: A244 can be delivered virtually and should be billed as A244A in such cases.
- Hospital In-patient: Use C244 for in-patient services.
Ensure compliance with Section GP25 and GP7 of the General Preamble for full eligibility.
4What Your Clinical Note Must Show
Ensure the patient's record includes:
- History of the presenting complaint
- Necessary physical examination findings
- Advice provided to the patient
- Start and end times of the service
5Weak vs. Strong Note Examples
The strong note is successful due to its detailed documentation of the examination, specific patient advice, and accurate recording of service times, ensuring compliance with OHIP requirements.
Checked the ear and advised. Follow-up as needed.
Presented with ear discomfort post-otitis treatment. Conducted otoscopic examination showing reduced inflammation. Discussed findings with patient and advised continued monitoring.
- Documented start time: 10:00 AM
- Documented end time: 10:15 AM
