R223 – Saucerization with bone graft
OHIP Radiology Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
A surgical procedure involving the saucerization of bone, which is the shaping of a bone cavity into a shallow saucer-like depression, combined with the application of a bone graft. This procedure is listed under the Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures section for the shoulder, arm, and chest. The anaesthesia base unit value for this procedure is 7, and the assistant base unit value is 6. As a procedure marked with a '#', when performed in a hospital, the premises, equipment, supplies, and personnel are funded by the hospital global budget (see ).
When to Use
- Use R223 when performing a formal saucerization of a bone cavity specifically combined with the placement of a bone graft for conditions such as chronic osteomyelitis.
- Select R223 for surgical debridement that involves the deliberate shaping of bone into a saucer-like depression, distinguishing it from simple sequestrectomy or standard debridement codes.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing R223 in conjunction with other debridement codes for the same anatomical site is often flagged as unbundling; ensure the procedure meets the specific definition of saucerization.
- Failure to document the specific use and type of bone graft can lead to audit recovery, as the graft is a mandatory component of the R223 service definition.
Billing Tips
- Since R223 is a '#' code, ensure you are not billing for tray fees or facility-related costs, as these are covered by the hospital's global budget.
Effective: April 1, 2025
N. Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
Ready to bill this code?
SnapBill makes OHIP billing simple — auto-filled codes, validation, and batch submission.