1What Is the C244 OHIP Code?
C244 is an OHIP billing code used for specific re-assessments conducted by ENT specialists. This code applies to services rendered within a hospital setting, such as post-operative evaluations or critical examinations of the airway throughout a patient's hospital stay.
ENT specialists frequently utilize this code for ongoing care, ensuring comprehensive follow-ups after surgeries or complex interventions. These reassessments require a full and relevant clinical history and a physical examination of one or more body systems relevant to the patient's condition.
A common oversight when billing this code is neglecting to document the start and end times of the service in the patient’s medical records, which is a requirement for coverage by OHIP.
2Related Codes
| Code | Name | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A243 | A243 Specific assessment | As required | Standard specific assessment by ENT for initial evaluations. |
| C243 | C243 Specific assessment | As required | ENT specific assessment in a hospital setting. |
| A244 | A244 Partial assessment | As required | Partial assessment by ENT, typically less comprehensive. |
| A935 | A935 Special surgical consultation | As required | Comprehensive surgical consultation by ENT specialists. |
3Eligibility Requirements
C244 is eligible for billing under the OHIP schedule when performed by an ENT specialist as a specific re-assessment in a hospital setting. This code can also be rendered virtually, but only through video consultations under the "VIDEO ONLY" criteria. Telephone consultations are not eligible.
According to OHIP guidelines, specific re-assessments like C244 are limited to two per patient per physician within a consecutive 12-month period, except for situations involving hospital admissions. Accurate time recording of the service's start and end times in the patient's permanent medical record is mandatory for claiming this benefit.
4What Your Clinical Note Must Show
Record the exact time the service commenced and concluded.
- Ensure the start and end times are noted on the patient’s permanent medical record.
Include relevant medical history and physical examination details.
- Document all systems examined pertinent to the patient's condition.
5Weak vs. Strong Note Examples
The strong note is successful due to its comprehensive documentation and specific timings, essential for compliance with OHIP billing requirements. The weak note lacks detailed assessment and precise time recording.
Reviewed patient post-surgery. Evaluated neck condition.
Performed re-assessment on patient post-ENT surgery:
- Evaluated the post-operative neck condition with focus on incision site and healing progress.
- Reviewed patient's airway for any obstructions.
- No signs of infection, swelling noted is consistent with recovery phase.
Time of service: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
- Detailed assessment findings
- Comprehensive documentation of systems examined
- Precise start and end times
