N259 – Decompression or rhizotomy (partial or complete) trigeminal nerve
OHIP Otolaryngology Code — NEUROLOGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
The fullDescription should refer to the 'X. Neurological Surgical Procedures' section, not 'Musculoskeletal System section'.
When to Use
- Use N259 for microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve to treat trigeminal neuralgia caused by neurovascular compression.
- Use N259 for percutaneous rhizotomy procedures, including radiofrequency thermocoagulation or glycerol injection, when performed for trigeminal nerve pain management.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not bill N259 in conjunction with other cranial nerve procedures unless a distinct, separate surgical approach is documented, as this may trigger a claim review for unbundling.
- Avoid billing N259 for diagnostic nerve blocks; these should be billed under appropriate diagnostic codes rather than this surgical procedure code.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report clearly specifies the technique used (e.g., decompression vs. rhizotomy) to support the N259 claim during potential audits.
- If an assistant is required, bill the assistant fee using N259B and the anaesthesiologist fee using N259C to ensure correct unit-based payment calculation.
Effective: April 1, 2025
X. Neurological Surgical Procedures
NEUROLOGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
All insured services must be documented in appropriate records to establish that an insured service was provided, the service for which the account is submitted is the service that was rendered, and the service was medically necessary. ()
Keeping and maintaining appropriate medical records is a common element of all insured services. ()
Ready to bill this code?
SnapBill makes OHIP billing simple — auto-filled codes, validation, and batch submission.