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N508
N508 – Disc excision (one level)
OHIP Otolaryngology Code — SPINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
N508 is a surgical procedure for lumbar anterior spinal decompression involving a disc excision at one level. This code is specifically used when the laparotomy or retroperitoneal approach is performed by a separate surgeon. For each additional level decompressed, see E360. This service is eligible for anaesthesia and surgical assistant services, which are calculated based on basic and time units.
When to Use
- Use N508 for a lumbar anterior spinal decompression via laparotomy or retroperitoneal approach when the approach is performed by a separate surgeon.
- Use N508 as the primary procedure code when performing a single-level disc excision, and append E360 for each additional level decompressed during the same session.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing N508 without a separate surgeon performing the approach will result in rejection, as the code specifically assumes a multi-surgeon team structure.
- Attempting to bill N508 for anterior cervical decompression by intra-oral approach is incorrect; use N569 instead, and note that E360 is explicitly excluded for that procedure.
- Failing to correctly calculate anaesthesia and surgical assistant units based on the major procedure only when multiple procedures are performed under the same anaesthetic.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the surgical assistant uses suffix B and the anaesthesiologist uses suffix C to trigger the correct unit-based fee calculations for N508.
- Always document the specific levels decompressed to justify the use of E360 add-on codes in the event of an audit.
Provider Fee$918.00
Surgical Assistant Fee$112.59
Anaesthetist Fee$201.37
Non-Anaesthetist Fee$201.37
Effective: April 1, 2025
Category
Z. Spinal Surgical Procedures
Subcategory
SPINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Service Type
Surgical
Code Classes
Spinal Surgical Procedures
Lumbar - laparotomy/retroperitoneal approach by separate surgeon
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