E709 – Cholecystectomy
OHIP Surgical Assists Code — DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Surgical add-on fee payable to the surgeon for performing a cholecystectomy concurrently with specific major gastrectomy or pancreatectomy procedures. This fee is paid in addition to the primary procedure fee for one of the following: S123 (Partial or subtotal gastrectomy - distal), S125 (Partial or subtotal gastrectomy - proximal), S128 (Total gastrectomy - with or without splenectomy), S299 (Distal - body, tail with preservation of spleen, with or without anastomosis), S300 ("Whipple type" procedure), or S309 (Distal - body, tail with splenectomy with or without anastomosis).
When to Use
- Use E709 when performing a cholecystectomy during a planned distal or proximal gastrectomy (S123, S125, or S128).
- Use E709 when performing a cholecystectomy concurrently with a pancreatectomy procedure, specifically S299, S300, or S309.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing E709 as a standalone procedure; it is strictly an add-on fee and will be rejected if not submitted with one of the six qualifying primary procedure codes.
- Attempting to use E709 for cholecystectomies performed with procedures outside the specified list (S123, S125, S128, S299, S300, S309), which will result in a claim rejection.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the primary procedure code (e.g., S300) and E709 are submitted on the same claim to ensure the add-on logic triggers correctly.
- Apply age premiums (e.g., AGE_PREMIUM_UNDER_16Y) to the total surgical fee if the patient meets the specific age criteria, as E709 is considered a surgical procedure for premium eligibility.
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