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Billing code

C238A — Ophthalmology concurrent care visit

Ophthalmology concurrent care visit

Bill for a consulting ophthalmologist's routine hospital visit when the family physician stays most responsible but asks for continued directive care.

Watch for: Limited to 4 visits in the first week of concurrent care, then 2 per week; extra visits aren't paid.

Code

C238A

Description

Ophthalmology concurrent care visit

FHO+ basket

Not in the FHO+ base rate basket (Schedule 2 or 2B).

Effective date

Jun 1, 2025

Termination date

No end date

Explanation

Updated October 26, 2026

Routine in-patient visit by the consulting ophthalmologist when the family physician stays MRP but asks for continued directive care.

What it covers

Concurrent care is any routine assessment in hospital by the consultant after their first major assessment, when the family physician remains the most responsible physician but asks the consultant to continue directive care (GP48).

It is listed per visit under ophthalmology non-emergency in-patient services (A162).

Billing rules

• Limited to 4 per week in the first week of concurrent care, then 2 per week. Extra visits are not payable (GP48).
• Follows the consultant's first major assessment of the patient (GP48).
• For emergency calls and special visits to in-patients, use the general listings and premiums (A162).
• Not listed in Appendix J, so not payable as a virtual service (AJ1–AJ2).

Common rejections

• AM1: Service limit exceeded: concurrent care is limited to 4 visits in the first week and 2 per week after (GP48).

Related codes: C235, C233, C232, C237, C239

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Consultations and Visits, Ophthalmology (23), page A162.

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