E329 – Tympanic neurectomy
OHIP Surgical Assists Code — Y. Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures · Schedule of Benefits
Tympanic neurectomy is a surgical procedure involving the cutting or removal of the tympanic nerve (Jacobson's nerve). It is generally performed through a tympanotomy to address conditions such as chronic otalgia (ear pain) that are refractory to other treatments. This service is billed by the operating surgeon with suffix A. When anaesthesia services are required, they are billed separately by the anaesthesiologist using suffix C. Anaesthesia services for this procedure have 10 base units, plus time units. Assistant services (suffix B) are not listed with base units but may be payable with special authorization by claiming M400B. See :770, :99, and :106 for details.
When to Use
- Use E329A for the surgical resection of the tympanic nerve in patients with medically refractory chronic otalgia.
- Use E329A when performing a tympanotomy specifically to address Jacobson's nerve-mediated ear pain, distinguishing it from general exploratory tympanotomy codes.
Common Pitfalls
- Attempting to bill an assistant fee without prior special authorization via M400B, as E329 does not have standard base units for assistants.
- Failing to bill the anaesthesia service with suffix C separately, as the surgeon's fee (suffix A) does not include anaesthetic administration.
- Incorrectly assuming assistant services are automatically payable; they require specific justification and approval through the M400B process.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the anaesthesiologist includes the appropriate base units (10) plus time units and any applicable ASA or age-based modifiers (e.g., E022C, E009C) on their separate claim.
- If the procedure is performed bilaterally, ensure the claim reflects the correct payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures as outlined in GP85:99.
Effective: April 1, 2025
Y. Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
Y. Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
Surgical
Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
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