OHIP billing code for smoking cessation
Updated October 26, 2026
Bill E079A ($15.95) as an add-on to the visit for the first smoking cessation discussion, once per patient per 12 months. Follow-up visits are K039A ($39.25), up to 2 in the 12 months after your E079. FHO and other enrolment-model physicians can also bill Q042A on those follow-ups for enrolled patients.
| Code | What it is | Fee | When to bill it |
|---|---|---|---|
| E079A | Smoking cessation initial discussion (add-on) | $15.95 | Added to an eligible visit (for example A007A or K013A) for the first discussion with a current tobacco smoker. |
| K039A | Smoking cessation follow-up visit | $39.25 | A visit dedicated to quitting, within 12 months after your own E079. Maximum 2. |
| Q042A | Smoking cessation counselling fee (enrolment models) | $7.70 | FHO, FHN, FHG and other listed models: enrolled patients who committed to quit, up to 2 a year after E079. |
How to bill it
At the first discussion, bill the visit you provided and add E079A. It's only payable with A001, A003, A004, A005, A006, A007, A008, A905, K005, K007, K013, K017, K130 to K133, P003, P004, P005, P008 and the listed W-codes (A56).
Chart the discussion on a Clinical Tobacco Intervention (CTI) flow sheet or in a note that follows the CTI 5A's model (A56).
For follow-up visits dedicated to quitting in the next 12 months, bill K039A, up to 2 times (A56). In an enrolment model, add Q042A for an enrolled patient.
Billing rules
- Only the primary care physician most responsible for the patient's ongoing care, for a patient who currently smokes tobacco (A56).
- E079: one per patient per 12 months (A56).
- K039: only if E079 was payable to you in the previous 12 months; maximum 2 in those 12 months (A56).
- Not payable for cannabis smoking or vaping, including vaping tobacco (A56).
- E079 isn't payable with a focused practice assessment (A917, A927, A937, A947, A957, A967) (A10).
- E079 is payable on comprehensive virtual visits: $13.20 by phone, $15.55 by video (A74). K039 can be done by video or phone (AJ1).
- Q042A: maximum two per patient per year (AQ2). Appendix Q lists $7.70; the April 2026 FHO agreement says $7.50 (Agreement p.73 §11.9). The remittance advice shows the amount in force.
Common rejections
- PAA: OHIP's description is 'smoking cessation initial fee (E079) not paid in prior 365 days'. K039 and Q042A need your own paid E079 in the previous 12 months (A56).
- AT3: Billed as comprehensive virtual care (K300A or K301A), but OHIP found no existing patient-physician relationship: no in-person insured service with you in the past 24 months and no enrolment to you or your group (A66). Otherwise bill limited virtual care, A101A or A102A.
Questions
What is the OHIP billing code for smoking cessation?
Bill E079A ($15.95) as an add-on to the visit for the first smoking cessation discussion, once per patient per 12 months. Follow-up visits are K039A ($39.25), up to 2 in the 12 months after your E079. FHO and other enrolment-model physicians can also bill Q042A on those follow-ups for enrolled patients.
Can I bill E079 on its own?
No. E079 is an add-on and must be billed with one of the eligible visit codes listed on page A56, such as A007 or K013.
Does vaping cessation count?
No. E079 and K039 aren't payable for discussions about cannabis smoking or vaping, including vaping tobacco (A56).
Related: OHIP billing code for diabetes management · OHIP billing code for phone visit
Sources
- Schedule of Benefits: Physician Services (July 1, 2026)
- OMA: Primary Care Q-Codes Quick Reference Guide
- INFOBulletin 260308: 2024 PSA, FHO+ implementations for April 2026
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