G485 – Chemodenervation injection - first major nerve and/or branches
OHIP Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Chemodenervation injection of an individual peripheral motor nerve using phenol, ethyl alcohol, or similar non-anaesthetic chemical agents for the reduction of focal spasticity. This service may include electromyography (EMG) guidance of the injection(s) and is payable for the first major nerve and/or its branches treated on a given day. Note: 1. Use nerve block listings under the Nerve Blocks sub-section if anaesthetic agents are used instead of phenol or alcohol or similar non-anaesthetic chemical agents. 2. Chemodenervation injection into the same muscle on the same day as botulinum toxin is an insured service payable at nil.
When to Use
- Use G485 when performing a peripheral motor nerve injection specifically using phenol or ethyl alcohol to treat focal spasticity.
- Use this code when the procedure includes EMG guidance for needle placement, as the guidance is considered inclusive to the service.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing G485 when using lidocaine or other anaesthetic agents, which must be billed under the Nerve Block sub-section instead.
- Attempting to bill G485 on the same day as a botulinum toxin injection for the same muscle, which results in a nil payment for the chemodenervation.
- Failing to use G486 for subsequent nerves treated on the same day, leading to missed revenue for multi-site procedures.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the clinical record explicitly states the use of a non-anaesthetic chemical agent like phenol or alcohol to justify the use of G485 over standard nerve block codes.
- Always pair G485 with G486 if treating multiple major nerves in a single session to maximize the claim value.
Effective: April 1, 2025
J. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES
Procedure
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
Use nerve block listings under Nerve Blocks sub-section if anaesthetic agents are used instead of phenol or alcohol or similar non-anaesthetic chemical agents.
Chemodenervation injection into same muscle same day as botulinum toxin is an insured service payable at nil.
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