E003B – Supportive Care/monitoring by Surgical Assistant
OHIP Surgical Assists Code — Supportive Care/monitoring · Schedule of Benefits
In addition to the common elements, supportive care or monitoring by the surgical assistant includes the following specific elements: A. Being in constant attendance at a surgical procedure for the sole purpose of monitoring the condition of the patient (including appropriate physical examination and inquiry) and being immediately available to provide, and including the provision of, special supportive care to the patient. B. Discussion with, and providing advice and information, including prescribing therapy to the patient or the patient's representative, whether by telephone or otherwise, on matters related to the service and its results. C. Providing premises, equipment, supplies, and personnel for any aspect(s) of the specific elements of the service that is(are) performed at a place other than the place in which the attendance occurs. The fee for this service is calculated in the same manner as for other assistants' services.
When to Use
- Use E003B when you are the primary surgical assistant providing continuous monitoring and supportive care for a patient during a lengthy procedure where the surgeon requires your constant presence for patient stability.
- Use this code when you are required to provide post-operative advice, therapy prescriptions, or patient education regarding the surgical results, distinct from the standard global surgical follow-up.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing E003B as a second assistant is prohibited; this code is strictly for the primary assistant providing supportive care.
- Attempting to claim E003B in addition to standard surgical assistant fees for the same procedure without clear documentation of the 'constant attendance' and 'special supportive care' elements will lead to audit rejection.
- Confusing E003B with standard intra-operative assistance; E003B requires specific evidence of monitoring and supportive care beyond the routine act of assisting with the surgery itself.
Billing Tips
- Ensure your operative report explicitly details the supportive care provided and the duration of your constant attendance to justify the use of E003B over standard assistant codes.
- When applicable, remember to layer E400B or E401B premiums onto your E003B claim if the procedure commences during the specified after-hours windows to maximize the total assistant fee.
Effective: January 1, 2025
Surgical Assistants' Services
Supportive Care/monitoring
Procedure
Supportive Care/Monitoring By Surgical Assistant or Anaesthesiologist, Surgical Assistants' Services
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