E483 – Synovectomy for inflammatory arthritis
OHIP Surgical Assists Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
`E483 is an add-on procedure for an extensive synovectomy performed for inflammatory arthritis during an arthroscopic procedure of the wrist (R682), elbow (R683), or ankle (R688`). This add-on is only payable when the synovectomy resection takes a minimum of 90 minutes. Synovectomy of less than 90 minutes is considered a component of the primary arthroscopy procedure and is not separately billable.
When to Use
- Use E483 when performing an extensive synovectomy for inflammatory arthritis that requires at least 90 minutes of resection time during an arthroscopic procedure of the wrist (R682), elbow (R683), or ankle (R688).
- Select E483 specifically for inflammatory arthritis cases where the synovectomy is the primary focus of the procedure and exceeds the standard scope of the base arthroscopy code.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing E483 for synovectomies lasting less than 90 minutes, which are considered inclusive in the base arthroscopy codes (R682, R683, R688).
- Attempting to claim E483 in conjunction with E481 or E482, as these are mutually exclusive on the same patient on the same day.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report explicitly states the start and end times of the synovectomy resection to substantiate the 90-minute minimum requirement during an audit.
Effective: April 1, 2025
N. Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Procedure
Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
The medical record must document that the synovectomy was for inflammatory arthritis and that the resection time was a minimum of 90 minutes.
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