N115 – Craniotomy - aspiration
OHIP Otolaryngology Code — NEUROLOGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Burr hole - aspiration is a surgical procedure for an intracranial abscess. It is classified under Cranial procedures in the Neurological Surgical Procedures section of the Schedule of Benefits. The service is eligible for payment for the surgeon (suffix A), surgical assistant (suffix B), and anaesthesiologist (suffix C), with specific base units assigned for the assistant and anaesthetist roles. The total fee for assistant and anaesthetist services is calculated by adding time units to the base units as defined in the General Preamble. See pages to for detailed rules on surgical, assistant, and anaesthesia billing.
When to Use
- Use N115 for the surgical aspiration of an intracranial abscess via a burr hole when a full craniotomy is not required.
- Use this code for urgent or emergent drainage of a brain abscess where the primary intent is aspiration rather than excision or resection.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing N115 alongside more extensive cranial procedures (like N117) without adhering to the multiple procedure rule, which typically reduces the secondary procedure to 50% of the fee.
- Failing to document the specific Injury Severity Score (ISS) in the chart when attempting to claim the E420 trauma premium for this procedure.
- Confusing N115 with diagnostic burr hole procedures; ensure the clinical documentation clearly supports the therapeutic aspiration of an abscess.
Billing Tips
- Always verify the start time of the procedure to ensure correct application of after-hours premiums (E409/E410 for surgeons, E400B/E401B for assistants, and E400C/E401C for anaesthesiologists).
- When multiple procedures are performed under the same anaesthetic, ensure the anaesthesiologist and assistant use the base units of the major procedure for their fee calculations as per the General Preamble.
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