1What Is the H124 OHIP Code?
What is H124?
H124 refers to the billing code used for re-assessments conducted by family physicians in emergency departments during the late-night hours of 00:00h to 08:00h. The re-assessment occurs at least two hours after an initial assessment and involves further investigation or treatment that was deemed necessary. This often applies when initial treatments, such as analgesia, need a follow-up evaluation or when awaiting test results overnight.
This code is essential for capturing the additional time and resources required for re-assessments that occur at night, ensuring comprehensive patient care. However, it can be easily missed if the appropriate time intervals and documentation are not adhered to.
2Related Codes
| Code | Name | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A914 | GP focused practice comprehensive consultation by Video | Variable | $247.40 service for comprehensive video consultations. |
| A006 | Repeat consultation | Variable | $47.10 service for repeat consultations. |
| A010 | GP focused practice consultation by Video | Variable | $95.60 video consultation service. |
| A011 | GP focused practice repeat consultation by Video | Variable | $47.10 for video repeat consultations. |
3Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements for H124
- Timing: H124 is applicable for re-assessments performed in an emergency department or hospital urgent care clinic at least two hours after the initial assessment or prior re-assessment.
- Documentation: The service must occur during the night hours, specifically from 00:00h to 08:00h. Accurate record-keeping of start and end times for the service is mandatory.
- Limitations:
- This code is not eligible if it involves a discharge assessment.
- It cannot be used when the patient is admitted directly after by the emergency department physician or if the re-assessment leads to a direct consultation referral.
- Frequency: H124 can be billed up to three times per patient per day and twice per physician per patient per day. Any service exceeding these limits is not eligible for payment.
4What Your Clinical Note Must Show
Accurate documentation in the patient's permanent medical record is crucial for H124 billing.
- Record the start and end times of the re-assessment service.
- Document the clinical justification for the re-assessment.
- Ensure that the re-assessment occurred at least two hours after the initial assessment.
5Weak vs. Strong Note Examples
The strong note is detailed, includes times, and explains the clinical rationale. The weak note lacks specific timing and clinical context.
Patient reassessed in ER. Checked vitals and analgesia response. Time not recorded.
Re-assessment conducted at 02:15h to address patient's response to overnight analgesia. Noted improvement in pain levels. Time recorded: 02:15h to 02:45h.
- Start and end times clearly documented.
- Specific clinical reasons for re-assessment were provided.
