G118 – Thoracic epidural with catheter
OHIP Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Thoracic epidural with catheter is a procedure for acute pain management classified as a neuraxial nerve block. It involves the insertion of a catheter into the thoracic epidural space. This service is listed under the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures section of the Schedule of Benefits. As with all insured services, this procedure includes the common elements outlined in and of the Schedule of Benefits, such as obtaining patient history, maintaining medical records, and arranging follow-up care.
When to Use
- Use G118 specifically for the insertion of a thoracic epidural catheter for acute pain management, such as post-thoracotomy analgesia.
- Select G118 when the procedure involves the placement of an indwelling catheter, as opposed to a single-shot block which may fall under different procedural coding.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing G118 in conjunction with other nerve block codes for the same anatomical site; ensure the procedure is distinct and not considered an inclusive component of a primary surgical procedure.
- Attempting to claim after-hours premiums (E409/E410) for elective procedures; these are strictly reserved for non-elective cases or those delayed by surgical emergencies.
Billing Tips
- When an anaesthesiologist provides sedation for your G118 procedure, ensure they bill the appropriate E030C or E031C code to avoid claim conflicts and ensure proper unit allocation.
- Always verify the start time of the procedure against the criteria for E409/E410/E412/E413, as the percentage premium is calculated based on the exact time the procedure commences.
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