F032 – Radius or ulna - closed reduction
OHIP Anaesthesia Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This code is for a surgical procedure within the Musculoskeletal System section of the OHIP Schedule of Benefits. As a surgical procedure, it is billable with suffix 'A' by the performing surgeon. Assistant (suffix 'B') and anaesthesia (suffix 'C') services are also payable and are calculated using basic and time units as described in the General Preamble (, ). This service may be eligible for various add-on premiums, including age-based premiums (), after-hours procedure premiums for non-elective cases (), and the trauma premium (). All general rules for insured services, medical documentation (), and surgical services () apply.
When to Use
- Use F032 for the closed reduction of a single radius or single ulna fracture when no internal fixation is required.
- Use this code for isolated distal radius fractures (e.g., Colles' or Smith's) that are successfully reduced in the emergency department or operating room without surgical hardware.
- Do not use F032 if both the radius and ulna are reduced; in that case, use the appropriate code for a combined fracture reduction.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing F032 alongside an assessment code (e.g., A007) is a common rejection; the assessment is considered included in the surgical fee unless the assessment is for a separate, unrelated condition.
- Failing to document the specific bone reduced (radius or ulna) can lead to audit recovery, as the code is non-specific but the clinical record must confirm the site.
- Attempting to bill F032 when a cast application (e.g., Z401) is the only service provided; F032 requires an active reduction maneuver, not just immobilization.
Billing Tips
- If the reduction is performed in the emergency department, ensure you append the appropriate Special Visit Premium (e.g., K963) to the surgical fee to capture the emergency attendance.
- Always verify if the patient meets the criteria for the Trauma Premium (E420) if the reduction is performed within 24 hours of a major injury, as this significantly increases the procedural value.
Effective: April 1, 2025
N. Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
All insured services must be documented in appropriate records. The Act requires that the record establish that: 1. an insured service was provided; 2. the service for which the account is submitted is the service that was rendered; and 3. the service was medically necessary.
Ready to bill this code?
SnapBill makes OHIP billing simple — auto-filled codes, validation, and batch submission.