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B553
B553 – Creatinine - random urine
OHIP Paediatrics Code · Schedule of Benefits
Measurement of creatinine levels in a random urine sample. This code is part of the Schedule of Benefits for Laboratory Services.
When to Use
- B553 is billed by licensed laboratories for the measurement of creatinine in a random urine sample, typically as part of a broader urinalysis panel.
- This code is appropriate when assessing kidney function or monitoring hydration status in patients, where a quantitative creatinine value is required.
- Use B553 when a physician orders a laboratory-based urine creatinine test, and the physician's office is not performing the test in-house (which would use G039).
Common Pitfalls
- Physicians billing B553 directly for in-office testing; these claims must be submitted using G039 instead.
- Laboratories may face rejections if B553 is submitted for a patient where G039 has already been billed within the same week for the same purpose (ruling out urine tampering).
- Claims may be rejected if the laboratory is not licensed to perform biochemistry tests, as B553 is specifically for licensed laboratory services.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the claim clearly indicates the sample type as a random urine specimen for creatinine measurement.
- Verify that the ordering physician is aware that B553 is a laboratory-billed code and not for physician office-performed tests.
Provider Fee$0.00
Effective: February 1, 2008
Service Type
Biochemistry
Code Classes
Laboratory Medicine
B553 is a Biochemistry code.
Physicians should refer to the 'Laboratory Medicine in Physician’s Office' section (-) for tests they are permitted to bill directly.
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