As an Ontario physician, staying informed about the latest billing codes and requirements is important for the efficient management of your practice. To support increased access to scheduled weekend visits for rostered patients and to enhance the quality of care by promoting continuity, the Ministry introduced the Q888 Weekend Access Fee code.
In collaboration with our partners at DoctorCare, we have created a quick reference guide to help you navigate the essential aspects of billing the Q888 code effectively. You can download the quick reference guide here.
Understanding the Q888 Weekend Access Fee Code
The Q888 code is designed for physicians who provide unscheduled in-person visits to their enrolled patients on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. This fee code, valued at $37.95 acknowledges the additional effort required to offer care outside regular business hours.
Billing Requirements for Q888
To bill the Q888 code, several conditions must be met:
- Patient Enrollment: The patient must be enrolled in the FHO group of the billing physician.
- Type of Visit: The visit must be unscheduled and in-person. Virtual visits, including those conducted via phone or video, are not eligible for Q888 billing.
- Scheduled Visits: The billing physician must offer at least three scheduled visits during each three-hour block on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.
- Diagnostic Code: A valid diagnostic code must accompany the Q888 claim.
Distinguishing Q888 from A888
It’s important to differentiate between the Q888 and A888 codes to avoid billing errors:
- Q888: This code is used for unscheduled visits to enrolled patients during weekends and holidays, provided that three scheduled visits were offered during the applicable time block. This ensures that the practice meets the minimum required weekend after-hours clinic blocks.
- A888: This code is used for unscheduled visits where no patients are scheduled, operating similarly to an emergency department equivalent. It is utilized when the practice functions as a walk-in clinic for time-sensitive matters.
Physicians must not bill A888 during the required weekend and holiday after-hours clinics. Once the minimum required blocks have been met by the FHO group, A888 can be billed.
Combining Q888 with the Q012 After-Hours Premium Code
The Q888 code can be billed alongside the After-Hours Premium Code (Q012) when services are rendered to rostered patients, provided all After-Hours billing rules are followed. This combination enhances the compensation for services provided during these periods. For detailed After-Hour requirements, physicians can refer to the After-Hours Table available online.
Common Medical Billing Errors and Solutions
Physicians may encounter errors when billing for the Q888 Weekend Access fee code. A common error is:
| Error Code | How to Resolve |
| I6 – Premium Not Applicable Due to Patient Not Being Enrolled | This error occurs when the patient is not enrolled. To correct this, the physician must retroactively enroll the patient using the Q200 code and then rebill the Q888 code. |
Practical Tips in Billing for Q888 in OSCAR Pro
Creating a Super Code
To streamline the billing process, physicians can create a Super Code that includes Q888 and Q012. Download our quick reference guide to learn more.
Staying updated with the latest billing and requirements is essential for the smooth operation of your practice. The Q888 Weekend Access Fee Code is an important billing code for Ontario physicians, ensuring that you receive appropriate compensation for your dedicated weekend and holiday services. By following this guide, you can confidently navigate the billing process and focus on delivering excellent patient care.