A735 – Diagnostic Consultation (Nuclear Medicine)
OHIP General Listings Code — Nuclear Medicine (63) · Schedule of Benefits
A diagnostic nuclear medicine consultation is a service rendered by a specialist in nuclear medicine in one of two specific scenarios: (a) when nuclear medicine studies from one institution or facility are referred to a specialist in a different institution or facility for a written opinion; or (b) when a nuclear medicine specialist is required to make a special visit during evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays to consult on the advisability of performing a nuclear medicine procedure that is ultimately not performed.
When to Use
- Bill A735 when a nuclear medicine specialist provides a written opinion on studies performed at a different institution, distinct from a comprehensive review (A835) or a repeat consultation (A636).
- Use A735 for a special visit to assess the advisability of a nuclear medicine procedure that is ultimately not performed, provided the visit occurs outside regular hours and meets special visit premium criteria (K960-K999).
- A735 is appropriate when a referring physician requests a consultation on the advisability of a nuclear medicine procedure, and the procedure is subsequently cancelled or deferred, differentiating it from A632 which is for minor assessments in similar circumstances.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing A735 when nuclear medicine studies from the consultant's own institution are compared with those from another facility; this scenario is not eligible for payment.
- Failing to retain a copy of the written request for consultation in the physician's medical record, unless the consultation occurs within a hospital, long-term care institution, or multi-specialty clinic with common records.
- Submitting A735 for a consultation where the nuclear medicine procedure is ultimately performed; this code is only for scenarios where the procedure is not done or for an opinion on external studies.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the written request for an A735 consultation clearly identifies the patient, referring provider (with billing number), consultant, and the specific service required.
- When billing for scenario (b) of A735 (special visit for procedure not done), meticulously document the time of the special visit in the medical record to support eligibility for associated premiums.
Effective: June 1, 2025
Consultations and Visits
Nuclear Medicine (63)
Diagnostic
Consultation
For scenario (a) (referral for opinion): The service must include the specific elements of the Nuclear Medicine professional component as defined on page .
For scenario (b) (special visit for procedure not done): The service must satisfy all the elements of a consultation as defined on page , including a written request and a written report to the referring provider.
A copy of the written request for the consultation, signed by the referring physician, nurse practitioner or dental surgeon must be kept in the consulting physician’s medical record, except in the case of a consultation which occurs in a hospital, long-term care institution or multi-specialty clinic where common medical records are maintained. In such cases, the written request may be contained on the common medical record.
The request identifies the consultant by name and/or the specialty being consulted, the referring physician, nurse practitioner or dental surgeon by name and billing number, and identifies the patient by name and health number.
The written request sets out the information relevant to the referral and specifies the service(s) required.
Specialist Fee: $80.90.
Eligible for age-based fee premiums (10% to 30%) for patients under 16 years of age as per .
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