A888 – Emergency department equivalent - partial assessment
OHIP General Listings Code — CONSULTATIONS AND VISITS · Schedule of Benefits
An assessment rendered in an emergency department equivalent on a Saturday, Sunday or Holiday for the purpose of dealing with an emergency.
When to Use
- Bill A888 for a patient presenting to an urgent care clinic on a Sunday with a sprained ankle requiring history, examination, and advice, as this is a partial assessment in an emergency department equivalent.
- Use A888 for a physician providing a partial assessment for a minor laceration requiring sutures at a walk-in clinic on a statutory holiday, as defined in the code's notes.
- A888 is appropriate for a physician assessing a child with a high fever at an after-hours clinic on a Saturday, fulfilling the partial assessment requirements and the weekend/holiday criteria.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing A888 when the service was provided in a standard physician's office on a weekend, as the 'emergency department equivalent' criteria must be met.
- Attempting to bill A888 with any special visit premiums (e.g., E080, E078, travel, or age-based premiums), as these are explicitly prohibited.
- Submitting A888 for a full assessment (e.g., A007) or a minor assessment (e.g., A001) when only a partial assessment was performed and documented.
Billing Tips
- Ensure your documentation clearly outlines the history of the presenting complaint, the necessary physical examination performed, the advice given to the patient, and an appropriate record to support the partial assessment criteria.
- Familiarize yourself with the specific definition of 'Holiday' provided in the A888 notes to accurately determine eligibility for services rendered during these periods.
Effective: April 1, 2026
A. Consultations and Visits
CONSULTATIONS AND VISITS
Consultations and Visits
Assessment
The service must satisfy the requirements of a partial assessment: history of the presenting complaint, the necessary physical examination, advice to the patient, and appropriate record.
A special definition of 'Holiday' applies to A888, which includes December 25 through December 31 (inclusive) and, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Friday before Christmas Day; and if New Year’s Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Monday following New Year’s Day; and if Canada Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday either the Friday before or the Monday following Canada Day, as determined at the choice of the physician.
For services described by emergency department equivalent - partial assessment, the only fee code payable is A888.
No premiums are payable for a service rendered in an emergency department equivalent.
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