1What Is the K732 OHIP Code?
The K732 billing code is designated for CritiCall telephone consultations initiated by a referring physician or nurse practitioner in Ontario. It facilitates timely consultation with on-call specialists for urgent clinical decisions. Unlike in-person consultations, the K732 code specifically addresses urgent needs where advice is dispensed via telephone, and is arranged through CritiCall Ontario.
The service includes the transfer of relevant clinical information to the consultant physician by the referring physician. It is especially pertinent outside of emergency department settings when immediate communication with a specialist can impact patient management or determine the necessity of patient transfer.
Physicians may overlook billing K732 due to its unique nature of being arranged via CritiCall, or a lack of awareness that this service is eligible for remuneration alongside other services on the same day.
2Related Codes
| Code | Name | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A914 | GP focused practice comprehensive consultation by Video | As required | Comprehensive consultation by video, providing in-depth patient management advice. |
| A006 | Repeat consultation | As required | Applicable for follow-up consultations when ongoing assessment is needed. |
| A010 | GP focused practice consultation by Video | As required | Initiates GP consultation via video for specialized management guidance. |
| A011 | GP focused practice repeat consultation by Video | As required | Used for video follow-up consultations necessary for patient management. |
3Eligibility Requirements
To bill for K732, a physician must ensure the following criteria are met:
- The telephone consultation must be initiated by the referring physician or nurse practitioner and arranged by CritiCall Ontario.
- Both the referring practitioner and the patient must be located in Ontario at the time of the consultation.
- This service is billable in addition to any other services provided to the same patient on the same day by the same physician.
- No more than two K732 or K736 services (in any combination) may be claimed per patient, per day.
- Physicians cannot claim this service if compensated through alternative funding methods.
The physician's medical record must include documentation that the telephone consultation was arranged by CritiCall Ontario, identification of the patient by name and health number, details of the referring practitioner and the consultant, plus the reason for consultation and recommendations from the consultant.
4What Your Clinical Note Must Show
Ensure the following elements are clearly documented in the patient record:
- The telephone consultation was arranged by CritiCall Ontario.
- Patient identifications such as name and health number are recorded.
- Include the names of both the referring and consultant physicians.
- The specific reason for the consultation must be documented.
- Details of the consultant's opinion and recommendations are required.
5Weak vs. Strong Note Examples
The strong note succeeds because it provides complete context of the consultation including patient identifiers, specific clinical details, and actionable recommendations, while the weak note lacks specificity and comprehensive documentation.
Consultation with on-call cardiologist via CritiCall. Discussed patient's chest pain.
CritiCall consultation arranged for patient John Doe, #123456789, with Dr. Smith as cardiology consultant. Discussed management of severe chest pain, potential transfer to cardiac care unit.
Consultant recommends initiating IV nitroglycerin and monitoring troponin levels. Agreed on patient transfer to the coronary care unit if symptoms persist post stabilization.
- CritiCall Ontario arranged call.
- Patient and physician identified by name and health number.
- Clearly defined consultation reason and expected patient management.
