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N576
N576 – Smith Peterson Osteotomy - each level
OHIP Otolaryngology Code — SPINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This code represents a surgical procedure performed on the musculoskeletal system. The payment is for the surgeon's services (N576A). Payment for surgical assistance (N576B) and anaesthesia (N576C) is calculated separately based on basic and time units. The service includes all common elements of insured services (, ), pre-operative preparation, the procedure itself, and post-operative care as defined in the General Preamble of the Schedule of Benefits. For specific details on calculating assistant and anaesthetist fees, refer to and respectively.
When to Use
- Use N576 for each individual vertebral level where a Smith-Peterson osteotomy is performed to correct spinal deformity.
- Use this code when performing a posterior column osteotomy specifically for sagittal or coronal plane realignment, distinct from simple decompression procedures.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not bill N576 per level if the procedure performed is actually a different type of osteotomy, such as a Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy (PSO), which requires a different code.
- Avoid billing N576 in conjunction with global spinal fusion codes if the Schedule of Benefits explicitly restricts the bundling of these procedures.
- Failure to document the specific number of levels treated will result in underpayment, as this is a 'per level' fee.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the number of levels is clearly indicated in the claim submission to trigger the correct multiplier for the total fee.
- When performing multiple levels, ensure the operative report explicitly describes the osteotomy at each distinct level to justify the quantity billed.
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