8529, 8509, 8540 or 8640: which office visit tariff do I bill in Manitoba?
Bill 8509 ($29.28) in Manitoba for a minor problem with little or no examination, generally under 10 minutes. Bill 8529 ($41.02) for a problem-specific assessment of at least 10 minutes, or a shorter one when the patient is over 65. Bill ~8640 ($70.00) for two or more distinct complaints in a visit of at least 20 minutes, and send a report that gives the length of the visit. Bill 8540 ($93.66) for a complete history and physical, but within 60 days of your last visit for the same condition it may be allowed only by Special Report (Rule 6 of the Physician's Manual).
Last checked: Checked against the Manitoba Physician's Manual (April 1, 2026 edition, with the October 1, 2026 update) by Unbilled on . Not yet reviewed by a medical biller.
The fees
| Tariff | Description | Fee | Manual page | Manual dated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8509 | Regional basic visit, regional or subsequent visit | $29.28 | A-120 | |
| 8529 | Regional intermediate visit, regional or subsequent visit, or well baby care | $41.02 | A-119 | |
| ~8640 | Extended visit (provisional) | $70.00 | A-120 | |
| 8540 | Complete history and physical examination | $93.66 | A-119 |
When it applies and when it does not
- 8509. The condition is “usually relatively minor”. The assessment is problem focused and “little or no physical examination is included.” “Generally, less than ten (10) minutes of physician time is required.” (A-120)
- 8529. A history of the presenting complaint, an exam of the related parts or systems, a review of all pertinent investigations, and a complete written record and advice. The visit “shall be a minimum of ten (10) minutes of physician time or the patient is over 65 years of age.” This condition says “over 65”. The age premium starts at 65. (A-119 to A-120)
- ~8640. For “two or more distinct complaints or problems”. You take a history of each and examine the related parts or systems. You review all pertinent investigations and give a complete written record and advice. The visit must be “a minimum of twenty (20) minutes of physician time.” Under 20 minutes, it does not apply. (A-120)
- 8540. A full patient history, and “an inquiry into and an examination of all relevant parts or systems required to make a diagnosis or differential diagnosis”. Also a review of the results of tests you ordered. Also a complete written or electronic record and advice. No minimum time is stated. (A-119)
- The 60-day rule. 8509 and 8529 are the subsequent visit tariffs. If the same doctor saw the patient for the same condition within 60 days, “only a subsequent visit may be claimed”. A fuller exam in that period may be allowed “only by Special Report.” (Rule 6, Rules-2)
- The ~ sign. It marks a provisional tariff. A report “including the length of time for the procedure or service, must be submitted with any claim for a provisional tariff.” (Rule 56, Rules-12)
- Add-ons. The manual names 9795 (cancer screening smears) and 8448 (pelvic exam) as add-ons under 8540 and 8529. It does not name them under 8509 or ~8640. (A-119 to A-120)
- Age premium. Manitoba Health adds 10% to 8540, 8529 and ~8640 for patients aged 65 to 69. It adds 20% for patients 70 or older. 8509 is not on that list. (A-119)
Worked example
A 47-year-old patient books about a sore knee and also asks about poor sleep. You take a history of each problem and do an exam related to each. You review a recent blood test and give advice on both. The visit takes 22 minutes.
Two distinct problems and at least 20 minutes: bill ~8640, $70.00. Send the report Rule 56 asks for, with the 22 minutes.
Had the visit covered only the knee and taken 12 minutes, 8529 applies: $41.02. Had both problems taken 15 minutes, ~8640 does not apply. 8529 applies: $41.02. For a 70-year-old with one problem, the same assessment in 6 minutes is still 8529: $41.02. Manitoba Health adds the 20% age premium. A 5-minute visit for a minor rash with little examination is 8509: $29.28.
What is often not billed
A visit that covers two or more distinct complaints and takes 20 minutes or more is ~8640, not 8529 (A-120). The note must show a history and a related exam for the complaints. It must also show a review of pertinent tests, a complete record and advice. The ~8640 claim needs a report that includes the length of time (Rule 56, Rules-12).
Source
Manitoba Physician's Manual, April 1, 2026 edition (with the October 1, 2026 update), pages A-119 to A-120, Rule 6 (page Rules-2) and Rule 56 (page Rules-12). gov.mb.ca/health/manual/
Last checked: Checked against the Manitoba Physician's Manual (April 1, 2026 edition, with the October 1, 2026 update) by Unbilled on . Not yet reviewed by a medical biller.
Unbilled is not Manitoba Health or Doctors Manitoba. This page is general information, not a ruling on any claim. Manitoba Health decides what is payable. Check the current manual before you bill.
To report an error on this page, email hello@unbilled.ca.
Unbilled reads your notes against the fee schedule and finds care you provided but did not bill.
Book an audit