F138 – Closed reduction of mandible, includes maxillary-mandibular fixation
OHIP Anaesthesia Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This service is for the closed reduction of a mandible fracture, a procedure which includes maxillary-mandibular fixation. According to the note on , maxillary-mandibular fixation encompasses any external fixation technique. As per , for services denoted by the '#' prefix that are performed in a hospital, the facility costs (premises, equipment, supplies, and personnel) are funded by the hospital's global budget. Patients cannot be separately charged for these components.
When to Use
- Use F138 for the closed reduction of a mandibular fracture where the primary treatment is immobilization via maxillary-mandibular fixation.
- Use this code when the fracture is managed non-operatively with wiring or arch bars to achieve occlusion, as opposed to open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) codes like F139.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing F138 in addition to other fixation or wiring codes is a common error, as the fee for F138 is explicitly inclusive of all maxillary-mandibular fixation techniques.
- Attempting to bill for the application of arch bars or intermaxillary fixation separately will result in rejection, as these are considered integral components of the F138 procedure.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the procedure is documented as a closed reduction to justify the use of F138 over more invasive open reduction codes, which carry higher fees.
Effective: April 1, 2025
N. Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
Maxillary-mandibular fixation includes any external fixation technique.
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