R017 – Scar revision - face or neck - greater than 10 cm
OHIP Radiology Code — INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
A surgical procedure for the revision of a scar on the face or neck where the scar length is greater than 10 cm. The procedure may use any method of closure.
Note:
- Revision of post-infection scarring of face must be claimed on an Independent Consideration (IC) basis - maximum payable will be as equated to R023. ()
- Authorization is required for all scar revisions in areas other than the face or neck. ()
When to Use
- Use R017 for surgical revision of traumatic or surgical scars on the face or neck that measure greater than 10 cm in total length.
- Use this code for complex revisions requiring significant tissue rearrangement or excision where the total length of the scar exceeds the 10 cm threshold.
Common Pitfalls
- Claiming R017 for scars located on the trunk or extremities without prior authorization, which will result in an automatic rejection.
- Failing to submit post-infection scar revisions on an Independent Consideration (IC) basis, which leads to incorrect payment processing compared to the R023 benchmark.
- Underestimating the scar length and billing R017 when the actual length is 10 cm or less, which should instead be billed under R021 or R026.
Billing Tips
- When billing for post-infection scarring on the face, explicitly include the note 'IC to R023' in the claim text to ensure the manual review process is triggered correctly.
- Always document the exact measured length of the scar in the operative report to substantiate the use of the 'greater than 10 cm' code over the shorter scar codes.
Effective: April 1, 2025
M. Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
For the Trauma Premium E420, the medical record must list the Injury Severity Score (ISS).
Authorization is required for all scar revisions in areas other than the face or neck (see Appendix D).
Revision of post-infection scarring of face must be claimed on an “I.C” basis - maximum payable will be as equated to R023.
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