What is OHIP billing code E171?

E171 is "Exenteration", an OHIP Surgical Assists code from the Ontario Schedule of Benefits (Physician Services).

How much does E171 pay?

The current OHIP fee for E171 is $1005.00, effective 2025-04-01, per the Ontario Schedule of Benefits.

How do I bill E171 to OHIP?

E171 is submitted through OHIP's MCEDT claims system, either directly or via billing software. SnapBill validates E171 claims against the Schedule of Benefits rules before submission.

What codes are related to E171?

Codes related to E171 in the Schedule of Benefits include E941.

All codes

E171

E171 – Exenteration

OHIP Surgical Assists Code — OCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits

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Exenteration is the surgical removal of the contents of the orbit, including the eyeball, extraocular muscles, fat, and connective tissues. The fee for this service is for the surgeon (suffix A). Fees for surgical assistant (suffix B) and anaesthetist (suffix C) are calculated based on basic and time units. This service can be billed with the add-on code E941 if a major plastic repair is also performed.

When to Use

Use E171 for the complete surgical removal of the orbital contents, including the eyeball, extraocular muscles, and orbital fat, typically for advanced malignancy.
Use E171 in conjunction with E941 when the procedure necessitates a major plastic repair, such as a flap reconstruction or graft, to close the orbital defect.

Common Pitfalls

Billing E171 without supporting documentation for the major plastic repair when attempting to claim the E941 add-on code, which will lead to a rejection.
Failing to document the Injury Severity Score (ISS) in the patient record when attempting to claim the E420 trauma premium, as this is a mandatory audit requirement for surgical procedures.
Confusing E171 with lesser orbital procedures; ensure the operative report explicitly confirms the removal of all orbital contents to justify the fee.

Billing Tips

Always verify that the E941 add-on is submitted on the same claim as E171 to ensure the flat fee is processed correctly.
If performing the procedure after hours, ensure the non-elective nature of the surgery is clearly stated in the operative notes to support the 50% surgeon premium.

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Provider Fee$1,005.00

Surgical Assistant Fee$75.06

Anaesthetist Fee$92.94

Non-Anaesthetist Fee$92.94

Effective: April 1, 2025

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