E889 – Complex endonasal endoscopic resection from cranial nerves
OHIP Surgical Assists Code — NEUROLOGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
An add-on fee for complex endonasal endoscopic resection from cranial nerves, claimed in addition to N114 (Endonasal endoscopic resection of pituitary lesion[s]) or N116 (Endonasal endoscopic resection of non-pituitary lesion[s]). Examples of non-pituitary lesions include meningioma, craniopharyngioma, and chordoma.
When to Use
- Use E889 when performing a complex endonasal endoscopic resection of a non-pituitary lesion (e.g., chordoma or meningioma) that specifically involves cranial nerves, provided it is billed alongside N116.
- Use this code for complex pituitary lesion resections that meet the criteria for E887 or E888, when the procedure involves the additional complexity of cranial nerve resection and is billed with N114.
Common Pitfalls
- Claiming E889 as a standalone code; it will be rejected unless billed in conjunction with both a primary procedure (N114 or N116) and the required add-on codes E887 or E888.
- Attempting to bill for the harvest or use of autologous materials (bone, fascia, muscle) as a separate procedure; these are considered included in the primary N114/N116 fee and are not separately payable.
Billing Tips
- Ensure your claim includes the primary procedure (N114/N116) and the mandatory E887/E888 codes to satisfy the dependency requirements for E889 payment.
- Verify that your physician profile or billing submission reflects the required skull base surgery fellowship or equivalent experience, as this is a prerequisite for the eligibility of E889.
Effective: April 1, 2025
X. Neurological Surgical Procedures
NEUROLOGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Neurological Surgical Procedures
Payment rules:
1. E889, E890 and E891 are only eligible for payment to a physician who has completed a fellowship in skull base surgery or who has equivalent experience.
2. E889, E890 and E891 are only eligible for payment when rendered with E887 or E888.
3. Harvesting and/or use of any autologous materials (e.g. bone, fascia, dermis, muscle) is not eligible for payment with N111, N112, N114 or N116.
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