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N160
N160 – Burr hole plus aspiration
OHIP Otolaryngology Code — NEUROLOGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Burr hole plus aspiration is a neurological surgical procedure for the treatment of an intracranial cyst. It involves drilling a small hole in the skull to drain the cyst. This service is listed on page of the Schedule.
When to Use
- Use N160 for the surgical drainage of an intracranial cyst via a burr hole when the procedure is limited to aspiration.
- Select N160 when a burr hole is performed specifically for the purpose of cyst decompression, rather than for intracranial pressure monitoring or biopsy.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not bill N160 in conjunction with a craniotomy or more extensive intracranial procedure, as the burr hole is typically considered an inclusive component of the larger surgery.
- Avoid billing N160 for simple burr hole procedures intended for diagnostic biopsy; ensure the clinical documentation explicitly supports the aspiration of a cyst to justify the code.
Billing Tips
- Always verify if the patient meets the criteria for age-based fee premiums, as N160 is eligible for significant percentage increases for pediatric patients under 16 years of age.
Provider Fee$426.95
Surgical Assistant Fee$187.65
Anaesthetist Fee$232.35
Non-Anaesthetist Fee$232.35
Effective: April 1, 2025
Category
X. Neurological Surgical Procedures
Subcategory
NEUROLOGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Service Type
Surgical
Code Classes
Neurological Surgical Procedures
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