A331 – Minor Assessment - Diagnostic Radiology
OHIP General Listings Code — Diagnostic Radiology (33) · Schedule of Benefits
A minor assessment (A331) is the service rendered when a radiologist evaluates a patient on a non-emergent basis resulting in the cancellation or deferral of a planned diagnostic radiology procedure due to procedural difficulties, including lack of patient cooperation, if no other diagnostic radiology procedure is rendered.
When to Use
- Bill A331 when a patient is uncooperative during a planned X-ray, leading to its cancellation, and no other imaging is performed.
- Use A331 if a radiologist assesses a patient for a planned ultrasound, determines procedural difficulties due to patient anxiety, and defers the procedure without performing any other diagnostic radiology service.
- A331 is appropriate when a patient requires a CT scan, but due to their inability to remain still, the procedure is cancelled, and no other imaging is done that day.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing A331 when another diagnostic radiology procedure (e.g., K001, K005) is performed on the same patient the same day will lead to rejection.
- Claiming A331 if the patient's lack of cooperation was due to an emergent situation, as the code specifies non-emergent evaluations.
- Submitting A331 when the planned diagnostic radiology procedure was not cancelled or deferred due to procedural difficulties, but for other reasons like scheduling conflicts.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the patient's chart clearly documents the specific procedural difficulties encountered that led to the cancellation or deferral of the planned diagnostic radiology procedure.
- Verify that no other diagnostic radiology procedure codes are billed for the same patient on the same date to avoid claim rejections.
Effective: June 1, 2025
Consultations and Visits
Diagnostic Radiology (33)
Consultations and Visits
Assessment
Evaluation must be on a non-emergent basis.
Must result in cancellation or deferral of a planned diagnostic radiology procedure.
Cancellation must be due to procedural difficulties (e.g. lack of patient cooperation).
No other diagnostic radiology procedure can be rendered during the same encounter.
A331 is not eligible for virtual care (video or telephone) as it is excluded from Appendix J.
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