1What Is the C150 OHIP Code?
C150 represents the comprehensive endocrinology consultation code under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), designated for consultations held within a hospital setting. This service is conducted by a specialist in endocrinology and involves at least 75 minutes of direct patient contact, addressing intricate cases like severe hyperglycaemia, adrenal crisis, or complex electrolyte disturbances.
Failure to adhere to the requisite duration or documentation requirements may result in reduced billing rates. By ensuring comprehensive evaluations, endocrinologists provide essential insights into complex, serious, or obscure cases that require specialized expertise.
2Related Codes
| Code | Name | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A150 | Comprehensive endocrinology consultation | One service every 12 months unless exceptions apply | For outpatient comprehensive endocrinology consultations. |
| A155 | Consultation | One service every 12 months unless exceptions apply | For general endocrinology consultations. |
| A156 | Repeat consultation | Up to two services per 12 months for the same condition | For repeat assessments related to ongoing treatment. |
| A255 | Limited consultation | As required | For limited scope assessments. |
3Eligibility Requirements
To bill C150, the following criteria must be met:
- A comprehensive consultation with at least 75 minutes of direct patient contact, excluding time spent on other billable services or non-patient-facing activities.
- The consultation must be requested in writing by a referring physician, nurse practitioner, or dental surgeon with documented professional knowledge of the patient.
- The consultation request should clearly identify the consultant, referring source, and relevant patient information and services.
- Frequency limits apply: one service per two consecutive 12-month periods, with specified exceptions for in-hospital or emergency department referrals, and unrelated diagnoses as described.
- Virtual consultations are permissible by video only, billed under C150A.
4What Your Clinical Note Must Show
Record start and stop times in the patient’s permanent medical record.
- Ensure 75 minutes of direct patient contact is documented.
- Exclude time spent on separate billable services or non-patient activities.
Maintain a copy of the written request for consultation in the medical record.
- The request must identify both referring and consulting practitioners.
- Request specifics should include relevant patient information and consultation needs.
5Weak vs. Strong Note Examples
The strong note provides precise timing and context of the consultation, meeting the comprehensive documentation requirements, unlike the weak note which lacks specificity.
Saw patient for consultation. Provided recommendations.
Consultation initiated at 10:00 AM and concluded at 11:30 AM, totaling 90 minutes.
Patient presented with acute adrenal crisis symptoms requiring comprehensive evaluation.
Reviewed current medication, performed physical examination, and formulated management plan.
- Included detailed documentation of initial findings and management plan.
