R014 – Preparation of microvascular recipient site for free jejunum artery and vein
OHIP Radiology Code — INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This surgical procedure involves the preparation of the recipient site, specifically the artery and vein, for the microvascular anastomosis of a free jejunum flap. This is a component of a complex reconstructive surgery where tissue is transferred from the jejunum to another part of the body.
When to Use
- Use R014 specifically when preparing the recipient neck or extremity vessels for a free jejunal flap transfer, distinct from the harvest procedure.
- Apply this code when the microvascular recipient site preparation is a discrete surgical step performed in conjunction with the flap transfer, often in head and neck reconstruction.
Common Pitfalls
- Failing to apply the mandatory 15% reduction to the fee when the excision of the primary lesion and the recipient site preparation are performed by different surgeons.
- Billing R014 in isolation without clear documentation of the microvascular recipient site preparation, which may lead to audit scrutiny regarding the necessity of the procedure.
Billing Tips
- R014 is eligible for a second surgical assistant without prior authorization, so ensure the assistant's claim is submitted with the appropriate code to avoid rejection.
- Ensure the operative report explicitly details the identification, dissection, and preparation of the specific recipient artery and vein to support the use of this code over more generic vascular codes.
Effective: April 1, 2025
M. Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
When excision of the lesion and preparation of the recipient site are carried out by different surgeons, the preparation fees should be reduced by 15%.
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