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N289
N289 – Nerve suture - minor
OHIP Otolaryngology Code — NEUROLOGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
When to Use
- Use N289 for the primary repair of a lacerated sensory or cutaneous nerve, such as a digital nerve, where simple suturing is the definitive treatment.
- Select N289 when performing a minor nerve repair that does not meet the complexity criteria of major nerve trunk repairs (e.g., N287 or N291).
Common Pitfalls
- Billing N289 alongside a primary wound repair code (e.g., Z-prefix codes) is often rejected as the nerve repair is considered inclusive of the wound closure unless documented as a separate, distinct procedure.
- Attempting to claim E906 (microscope premium) without explicit documentation of the use of an operating microscope in the operative report will result in a claim rejection or audit recovery.
Billing Tips
- If the nerve repair is delayed by more than four weeks post-injury, ensure you append E925 to the N289 claim to capture the 30% premium for delayed acute nerve injury repair.
- Always verify if the procedure qualifies for E906 by confirming the use of an operating microscope, as this 40% premium significantly increases the reimbursement for N289.
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