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E362
E362 – Combined thoracotomy/laparotomy
OHIP Surgical Assists Code — SPINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
E362 is an add-on fee payable to the surgeon when a combined thoracotomy/laparotomy approach is required for specific spinal procedures. It can be claimed in addition to: - Thoracic disc excision (N502) or vertebrectomy (N503). - Lumbar disc excision (N506) or vertebrectomy (N507). - Lumbar anterior spinal arthrodesis (N559). - Open reduction of spine fracture/dislocation (N572).
When to Use
- Use E362 when a single surgical session requires both a thoracotomy and a laparotomy approach to access the spine for procedures like N502, N503, N506, N507, N559, or N572.
- Claim this code when the clinical complexity of the spinal pathology necessitates a combined thoraco-abdominal exposure that exceeds the scope of a standard single-cavity approach.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not bill E362 if only one cavity is entered; it is strictly an add-on for the combined approach required for the associated spinal procedure.
- Avoid claiming E362 independently; it must be submitted on the same claim as the primary spinal procedure (e.g., N559 or N572) to avoid automatic rejection.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report explicitly details the necessity and performance of both the thoracotomy and laparotomy to support the claim during an audit.
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