1What Is the K733 OHIP Code?
What is K733?
K733 is an OHIP billing code specifically for consultant physicians who participate in CritiCall telephone consultations. These consultations are typically initiated by a referring physician or nurse practitioner to discuss urgent patient management or potential patient transfer to the consultant physician. This setting is crucial for critically ill patients who require immediate and expert medical advice from a consultant.
The K733 billing code reflects the importance of telephone consultations in optimizing patient care without delay. Utilization typically occurs in scenarios where a medical emergency mandates swift communication between practitioners to decide on appropriate interventions and possible transfers. Despite its significance, it's common for this code to be missed due to the fast-paced nature of emergency settings, forgetting to document teleconsultations, or confusion with similar codes like K737, which is billed under different conditions.
2Related Codes
| Code | Name | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A914 | GP focused practice comprehensive consultation by Video | Once per patient per day | $247.40 for comprehensive video consultations in family practice settings. |
| A006 | Repeat consultation | As required | $47.10 for repeat in-person consultations in general practice. |
| A010 | GP focused practice consultation by Video | Once per patient per day | $95.60 for focused consultations by video in family practice. |
| A011 | GP focused practice repeat consultation by Video | As required | $47.10 for repeat video consultations in family practice. |
3Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements for K733
- Only consultant physicians conducting CritiCall telephone consultations can bill K733.
- The consultation must be initiated by a referring physician or nurse practitioner via CritiCall.
- K733 can be claimed once per physician, per patient, per day.
- Up to three K733 or K737 services (in any combination) are eligible for payment per patient, per day.
- The General Preamble's consultation definition and payment rules do not apply to this service, meaning that telephone consultations are billed differently due to their distinct nature compared to in-person consultations.
- K733 can be billed alongside visits or other services provided to the same patient on the same day by the referring physician under certain conditions.
4What Your Clinical Note Must Show
Accurate documentation is crucial for billing the K733 code. Ensure the following elements are included in your records:
- Details of the CritiCall case number.
- Time and date of the call.
- Name of the referring physician or nurse practitioner.
- Detailed consultation notes including advice given.
- Any follow-up actions discussed or recommendations made.
5Weak vs. Strong Note Examples
The strong note succeeds because it provides comprehensive documentation of the consultation, lists specific details such as the CritiCall case number, and outlines the advice given, which is essential for accurate billing and patient care continuity. The weak note lacks specifics and clear guidance provided during the consultation.
Consulted on patient transfer. CritiCall case advised. Information noted.
Consulted on CritiCall Case #12345 with Dr. Smith. Reviewed patient's vital signs, labs, and imaging. Advised on immediate stabilization measures and recommended transfer to tertiary care hospital due to severe respiratory distress. Follow up with ICU team upon patient arrival.
- CritiCall case number recorded.
- Consultation date and time logged.
- Details of patient's condition and management plan.
