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L823
L823 – Subsequent frozen section or direct smear
OHIP Dermatology Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This service is an add-on fee payable for each subsequent frozen section or direct smear that is performed during an operative consultation. It is intended to be billed in conjunction with, and subsequent to, the primary operative consultation service, L822.
When to Use
- Use L823 for the second, third, or additional frozen sections performed on different tissue samples during the same operative consultation session where L822 was billed for the initial specimen.
- Apply this code when multiple distinct anatomical sites or separate lesions are processed sequentially during the same surgical consultation.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing L823 without a corresponding L822 on the same claim will result in an automatic rejection as it is strictly an add-on code.
- Attempting to bill L823 for multiple sections of the same single specimen is incorrect; it is intended for subsequent, separate specimens only.
- Exceeding the allowed quantity for subsequent sections without clear documentation of distinct, separate tissue samples often triggers audit flags.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the number of units billed for L823 matches the exact count of additional specimens processed beyond the initial one covered by L822.
- Maintain clear pathology logs identifying each specimen by site to justify the quantity of L823 units claimed during a single operative consultation.
Provider Fee$39.30
Effective: April 1, 2026
Category
J. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
Subcategory
DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES
Service Type
Laboratory
Code Classes
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
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