N290

N290 – Decompression median nerve at wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)

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

Carpal tunnel release. This is a surgical procedure involving exploration, decompression, and/or division of the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. As a surgical service, it includes all constituent and common elements as defined in the , , and of the Schedule of Benefits.

When to Use

Use N290 for the standard open or endoscopic release of the transverse carpal ligament to treat confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome.
Use N290 when performing a primary carpal tunnel release, as it is the definitive code for median nerve decompression at the wrist.

Common Pitfalls

Do not bill N290 in conjunction with N295 (secondary release) for the same wrist, as N295 is specifically for recurrent or secondary procedures.
Avoid billing N290 with general musculoskeletal exploration codes, as the decompression procedure includes all necessary exploration of the nerve site.
Do not attempt to add E906 to N290, as N290 is not listed as an eligible procedure for the operating microscope premium.

Billing Tips

If performing bilateral carpal tunnel releases on the same day, bill N290 with the appropriate bilateral modifier (usually 150% of the fee) as per the General Preamble.
Ensure that any associated diagnostic procedures or injections performed on the same day are billed separately only if they are distinct from the surgical site and not considered part of the global surgical package.

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Provider Fee$197.15

Surgical Assistant Fee$77.46

Anaesthetist Fee$95.76

Non-Anaesthetist Fee$95.76

Effective: April 1, 2026

Show CPI inflation

Since Oct 2005, this fee has increased 26.0% vs 52.9% CPI inflation

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