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G356
G356 – Gastric lavage - therapeutic
OHIP Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Therapeutic gastric lavage, with or without ice water lavage. This procedure is listed under the Gastroenterology subsection of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures.
When to Use
- Use G356 for the active therapeutic management of significant upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage via lavage to clear the stomach of blood and clots.
- Use G356 when performing gastric lavage with ice water specifically for the purpose of inducing vasoconstriction to control active bleeding.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not bill G356 for simple nasogastric tube insertion, as tube placement is considered an inherent part of the procedure and is not separately billable.
- Avoid billing G356 for diagnostic aspiration; it is strictly a therapeutic code and requires documentation of the active lavage process.
- Do not attempt to bill K001 for the time spent performing the lavage itself, as the procedure fee is intended to cover the active work.
Billing Tips
- If the lavage is performed in an emergency setting after hours, ensure you append the correct premium (E412 or E413 for ED physicians; E409 or E410 for others) to maximize the procedural reimbursement.
- Document the specific therapeutic intent and the volume/nature of the lavage fluid used to support the claim during potential post-payment audits.
Provider Fee$33.80
Effective: April 1, 2025
Category
J. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
Subcategory
DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES
Service Type
Procedure
Code Classes
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
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