What is OHIP billing code N285?

N285 is "Exploration, decompression, transposition, or neurolysis of major nerve", an OHIP Otolaryngology code from the Ontario Schedule of Benefits (Physician Services).

How much does N285 pay?

The current OHIP fee for N285 is $283.50, effective 2026-04-01, per the Ontario Schedule of Benefits.

How do I bill N285 to OHIP?

N285 is submitted through OHIP's MCEDT claims system, either directly or via billing software. SnapBill validates N285 claims against the Schedule of Benefits rules before submission.

What codes are related to N285?

Codes related to N285 in the Schedule of Benefits include N188, N283, N282, N290, N190, N189, N177, N184.

All codes

N285

N285 – Exploration, decompression, transposition, or neurolysis of major nerve

OHIP Otolaryngology Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits

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A surgical procedure involving exploration, decompression, division, excision, biopsy, neurolysis and/or transposition of a major nerve. Specific applications include denervation of the gastrocnemius. This service explicitly excludes procedures for carpal tunnel release (see N290) or ulnar nerve procedures at the elbow (see N190, N189).

When to Use

Use N285 for the surgical neurolysis or decompression of major peripheral nerves in the limbs or trunk, such as the sciatic or femoral nerve, where no specific site-limited code exists.
Use N285 for the denervation of the gastrocnemius muscle, as explicitly noted in the schedule.
Use N285 for the exploration of a major nerve following trauma when the procedure does not involve a primary suture repair of a transected nerve.

Common Pitfalls

Billing N285 for carpal tunnel release (N290) or ulnar nerve transposition at the elbow (N190/N189) will result in automatic rejection or audit recovery.
Attempting to bill N285 alongside flexor tendon repairs (R585 or E581) through the same incision is prohibited, as N285 will be paid at nil.
Failure to document the use of an operating microscope in the operative report will lead to the rejection of the E906 add-on premium.

Billing Tips

Always append the E906 premium if an operating microscope is utilized, as this is a qualifying neurolysis procedure.
If performing a repeat procedure on the same peripheral nerve, ensure the E925 premium is applied to capture the 30% increase.

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Provider Fee$283.50

Surgical Assistant Fee$90.37

Anaesthetist Fee$111.72

Non-Anaesthetist Fee$111.72

Effective: April 1, 2026

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