What are the billing rules for K039A?

Payable only when E079 was payable to the same physician in the preceding 12 months (A56). Maximum 2 K039 in the 12 months following E079 (A56). The chart must show the follow-up took place, using a Clinical Tobacco Intervention (CTI) flow sheet or a note consistent with the CTI 5A's model, or it isn't payable (A56).

What is K039A often billed with?

E079 at an earlier visit, which K039 depends on (A56). FHO and other listed models: Q042A smoking cessation counselling fee for enrolled patients, up to 2 dedicated follow-up sessions in the 12 months after E079A. Q-codes are information only, not part of the Schedule (FHO Agreement pp.72–73, §11.9; OMA Q-codes guide p.12).

Why is K039A rejected?

PAA: OHIP found no E079 paid to you for this patient in the prior 365 days; K039 needs your own E079 in the preceding 12 months (A56). EH2: The health card version code doesn't match OHIP's record; get the current version code and resubmit (EH2 guide). V22: The diagnostic code isn't a valid OHIP code, often a four-digit code where the three-digit one is needed (V22 guide).

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Billing code

K039A — Smoking Cessation Follow up

Q: What is OHIP billing code K039A?

Smoking cessation follow-up visit by the primary care physician, up to 2 in the 12 months after that physician's E079 initial discussion.

Smoking cessation follow-up

Bill K039 for a follow-up visit dedicated to quitting tobacco, within 12 months after your own E079 initial discussion.

Watch for: Not payable without your own E079 in the past 12 months; maximum 2, and not for cannabis or vaping.

Provider	Specialist	Assistant	Anaesthetist	Non-anaesthetist
$39.25	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

Code: K039A
Description: Smoking Cessation Follow up
FHO+ basket: Not in the FHO+ base rate basket (Schedule 2 or 2B).
Effective date: Apr 1, 2026
Termination date: No end date

Explanation

Updated October 26, 2026

Smoking cessation follow-up visit by the primary care physician, up to 2 in the 12 months after that physician's E079 initial discussion.

What it covers

K039 is a visit by a primary care physician dedicated to discussing tobacco smoking cessation, in the 12 months after the initial discussion billed as E079 (A56).

Billing rules

Payable only when E079 was payable to the same physician in the preceding 12 months (A56).
Maximum 2 K039 in the 12 months following E079 (A56).
The chart must show the follow-up took place, using a Clinical Tobacco Intervention (CTI) flow sheet or a note consistent with the CTI 5A's model, or it isn't payable (A56).
Not payable for discussions about cannabis smoking or vaping, including vaping tobacco (A56).
May be given by video or phone as comprehensive virtual care; add K300A or K301A (Appendix J AJ1, A70).

Often billed with

E079 at an earlier visit, which K039 depends on (A56).
FHO and other listed models: Q042A smoking cessation counselling fee for enrolled patients, up to 2 dedicated follow-up sessions in the 12 months after E079A. Q-codes are information only, not part of the Schedule (FHO Agreement pp.72–73, §11.9; OMA Q-codes guide p.12).

Common rejections

PAA: OHIP found no E079 paid to you for this patient in the prior 365 days; K039 needs your own E079 in the preceding 12 months (A56).
EH2: The health card version code doesn't match OHIP's record; get the current version code and resubmit (EH2 guide).
V22: The diagnostic code isn't a valid OHIP code, often a four-digit code where the three-digit one is needed (V22 guide).

Related codes: E079, Q042, K013, A007

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Consultations and Visits, Family Practice & Practice in General (00), page A56.

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