R033 – Excision of three or more lesions
OHIP Radiology Code — INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This procedure involves the treatment of three or more malignant lesions on areas other than the face or neck using curettage, electrodesiccation, or cryosurgery. This service includes the biopsy of each lesion. Payment requires that a pathologist's report confirming malignancy is retained in the patient's record. A pre-malignant lesion is not considered a malignant lesion for payment purposes. When the resulting defect is repaired using advanced techniques like flaps or grafts, the appropriate repair code should be claimed instead of R033.
When to Use
- Use R033 when performing curettage, electrodesiccation, or cryosurgery on three or more histologically confirmed malignant lesions located on the trunk or extremities.
- Select R033 when treating three or more distinct malignant sites in a single session, provided the lesions are not located on the face or neck.
Common Pitfalls
- Claiming R033 for pre-malignant lesions like Actinic Keratosis without retaining the required pathology reports in the patient record will trigger an automatic fee reduction upon audit.
- Billing R033 concurrently with other integumentary surgical procedure codes for the same site is restricted and will result in claim rejection.
- Attempting to use R033 for lesions on the face or neck is incorrect; these sites require different procedural codes.
Billing Tips
- Always append the E542 premium if the procedure is performed in an office setting outside of a hospital facility to capture the additional $12.65 fee.
- Ensure that if you perform a flap or graft repair for the defect, you bill the specific repair code instead of R033, as R033 is intended for non-reconstructive techniques.
Effective: April 1, 2026
M. Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
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