All codes
T656
T656 – T656
OHIP Other Code · Schedule of Benefits
When to Use
- Use T656 for the initial assessment and management of a patient presenting with a confirmed or suspected acute poisoning or toxic ingestion.
- Apply this code when providing emergency stabilization and toxicological consultation for a patient in the ED, provided the service exceeds the scope of a standard A007 assessment.
- Select T656 when managing complex drug overdoses that require continuous monitoring and specific antidote administration beyond routine supportive care.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing T656 in conjunction with a standard A007 or A001 visit for the same patient encounter will trigger a rejection for duplicate billing.
- Failing to document the specific toxic agent or the severity of the clinical presentation often leads to recovery during Ministry audits.
- Using T656 for routine substance abuse counseling or non-emergent psychiatric evaluations is an inappropriate use of this emergency-specific code.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the clinical note explicitly details the toxicological assessment and the specific interventions performed to justify the higher fee compared to standard assessment codes.
- If the patient requires critical care services due to the poisoning, consider whether K023 or critical care time-based codes provide a more accurate reflection of the resources utilized.
Provider Fee$54.89
Specialist Fee$62.72
Effective: April 1, 2025
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