W844 – Admission assessment - Type 2
OHIP Neurology Code — CONSULTATIONS AND VISITS · Schedule of Benefits
A Type 2 Admission Assessment occurs when the admitting physician makes an initial visit to assess the condition of the patient following admission to a long-term care institution. This service is applicable only when the physician has previously rendered a consultation, general assessment, or general re-assessment of the patient prior to admission. As an assessment, this service includes the specific elements outlined in , such as a direct physical encounter, inquiry to form a medical opinion, and arranging any necessary follow-up care. The service is intended for non-emergency in-patient services in facilities such as chronic care hospitals, convalescent hospitals, nursing homes, and homes for the aged.
When to Use
- Use W844 when performing the initial clinical assessment for a patient newly admitted to a long-term care facility, provided you have already completed a prior consultation or general assessment for that patient.
- Apply this code specifically for non-emergency admission assessments in chronic care hospitals, convalescent hospitals, or nursing homes where a previous medical relationship exists.
Common Pitfalls
- Claiming W844 in the same calendar month as W010 will trigger an automatic rejection, as the admission assessment is considered bundled into the monthly management fee.
- Billing W844 without a documented prior consultation or general assessment on file will lead to audit recovery, as the code specifically requires a pre-existing medical relationship.
Billing Tips
- Ensure your documentation clearly references the prior assessment or consultation to satisfy the prerequisite requirement for W844.
- If the patient requires an urgent or emergency visit post-admission, bill the appropriate General Listing visit code and applicable premiums instead of W844.
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