E032C – Anaesthesia service for colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy
OHIP Surgical Assists Code — ANAESTHESIOLOGISTS’ SERVICES · Schedule of Benefits
Anaesthesia service for colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy procedures listed as Z491, Z492, Z493, Z494, Z495, Z496, Z497, Z498, Z499, Z555 or Z580. For the purposes of E032C, 'anaesthesia' means an anaesthesia service other than local infiltration, topical anaesthesia or procedural sedation rendered in support of the listed procedures. This service replaces the standard listed basic units and time units for anaesthesia for these procedures. Deep sedation, general anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia are examples of anaesthesia that may be rendered for E032C. Payment is calculated based on 4 basic units plus time units.
When to Use
- Use E032C when providing deep sedation, general anaesthesia, or regional anaesthesia for endoscopic procedures specifically listed as Z491 through Z499, Z555, or Z580.
- Use this code instead of standard anaesthesia time units when the clinical requirement for deep sedation or general anaesthesia is documented for a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing E032C for procedural sedation is a common rejection trigger; the service must meet the definition of deep sedation, general, or regional anaesthesia to be eligible.
- Attempting to claim E032C for the primary procedure is prohibited; the physician performing the colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy cannot also bill for the anaesthesia service.
- Failing to recognize that E032C replaces the standard basic units and time units for the procedure, leading to over-billing if standard anaesthesia codes are submitted concurrently.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the anaesthesia record clearly distinguishes the service as deep sedation or general anaesthesia to satisfy the specific exclusion criteria against procedural sedation.
- Always append eligible age-based or condition-based extra units (e.g., E007C, E010C, E022C) to E032C to maximize the claim value, as these are explicitly permitted under the General Preamble.
No fee information available.
GP. General Preamble
ANAESTHESIOLOGISTS’ SERVICES
Surgical
Anaesthesiologists' Services
For the purposes of anaesthesia services the following definitions apply: 1. Procedural Sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained. 2. Deep Sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained. 3. General Anaesthesia is a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.
Ready to bill this code?
SnapBill makes OHIP billing simple — auto-filled codes, validation, and batch submission.