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R059
R059 – Inguinal, perineal or axillary skin and sweat glands for hyperhydrosis and/or hydradenitis - unilateral
OHIP Radiology Code — INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Surgical excision of inguinal, perineal or axillary skin and sweat glands for hyperhydrosis and/or hydradenitis, performed unilaterally.
When to Use
- Use R059 for the surgical excision of sweat glands in the axilla, inguinal, or perineal regions specifically for the diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa or hyperhidrosis.
- Use R059 for unilateral procedures; if performing the procedure bilaterally, bill R059 for the first side and R059 with the appropriate bilateral indicator (or R060 if applicable) for the second side.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing R059 for simple incision and drainage of an abscess; R059 is intended for formal excision of the sweat gland-bearing tissue, not for acute management of an infected cyst.
- Attempting to bill R059 in conjunction with other excision codes for the same anatomical site; the OHIP Schedule of Benefits generally considers the excision of sweat glands to be inclusive of the local tissue removal required for the procedure.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report explicitly details the excision of the sweat gland-bearing tissue to justify the use of R059 over lower-valued minor surgical codes.
- If a second assistant is required for complex, extensive excisions, document the clinical necessity in the patient record to support the claim for the second assistant fee, as this is subject to medical consultant review.
Provider Fee$272.55
Surgical Assistant Fee$77.46
Anaesthetist Fee$95.76
Non-Anaesthetist Fee$95.76
Effective: April 1, 2026
Since Apr 2004, this fee has increased 9.5% vs 58.5% CPI inflation
Category
M. Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
Subcategory
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Service Type
Surgical
Code Classes
Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
The medical record must establish that an insured service was provided, the service for which the account is submitted is the service that was rendered, and the service was medically necessary.
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