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L815
L815 – Sputum per specimen for general and/or specific assessment
OHIP Dermatology Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Sputum per specimen for general and/or specific assessment e.g. cellular abnormalities, asbestos bodies, lipids, haemosiderin.
When to Use
- Use L815 when ordering a sputum cytology specifically to screen for malignant cellular abnormalities, which distinguishes it from routine microbiology cultures like L804 or L805.
- Apply this code when investigating interstitial lung disease or occupational exposure by requesting a specific assessment for asbestos bodies, lipids, or haemosiderin.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing L815 for standard sputum culture and sensitivity (C&S) is a common error; C&S should be billed under microbiology codes like L804, not this cytology-focused code.
- Submitting multiple L815 claims for the same patient on the same day without distinct clinical justifications or separate specimen collection times will trigger automatic rejections for duplication.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the requisition clearly specifies the diagnostic intent (e.g., 'cytology for malignancy' or 'asbestos body search') to support the use of L815 over general laboratory investigation codes.
Provider Fee$37.35
Effective: April 1, 2026
Category
J. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
Subcategory
DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES
Service Type
Laboratory
Code Classes
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
Referral RequiredFrom: Physician, NursePractitioner
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