G224 – Nerve block by same physician performing the procedure
OHIP Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
A major or minor peripheral nerve block, major plexus block, neuraxial injection (with or without catheter) or intrapleural block (with or without catheter) for post-operative pain control (with a duration of action more than 4 hours) is eligible for payment as G224 when rendered in conjunction with a procedure which the physician performs on the same patient. With the exception of a bilateral pudendal block (where only one service is eligible for payment), G224 is eligible for payment once per region per side where bilateral procedures are performed.
When to Use
- Use G224 when you perform a peripheral nerve block for post-operative analgesia (duration >4 hours) in addition to the primary surgical procedure you are performing on the same patient.
- Use G224 for a major plexus block or neuraxial injection specifically intended for post-operative pain management, provided it is distinct from the anesthesia required for the surgery itself.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing G224 for local infiltration anesthesia or blocks used solely to facilitate the primary procedure, which are considered included in the surgical fee and are not eligible for separate payment.
- Attempting to bill G224 for a bilateral pudendal block; the Schedule of Benefits explicitly restricts this to a single service payment regardless of the bilateral nature.
- Failure to document the duration of action; if the block does not provide at least 4 hours of post-operative pain control, it does not meet the criteria for G224.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the block is clearly documented as being for post-operative pain control, as blocks provided solely for intra-operative anesthesia are not eligible under this code.
- Apply the appropriate after-hours premium (E409, E410, E412, or E413) to G224 if the procedure meets the non-elective or emergency-delayed criteria during the specified time windows.
Ready to bill this code?
SnapBill makes OHIP billing simple — auto-filled codes, validation, and batch submission.