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R237
R237 – Incision and drainage - bone
OHIP Radiology Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Performs an incision and drainage of bone, as listed in the Musculoskeletal System section of the Schedule of Benefits under the 'Fibula and Tibia' subsection. This procedure is typically performed to treat osteomyelitis or other bone infections.
When to Use
- Use R237 specifically for the surgical incision and drainage of the tibia or fibula, typically for deep-seated infections like osteomyelitis.
- Select R237 when the procedure involves bone-level intervention, distinguishing it from superficial soft tissue drainage codes which do not involve the bone cortex.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing R237 alongside soft tissue debridement codes for the same site can trigger 'duplicate service' or 'incidental procedure' rejections; ensure the bone involvement is distinct and documented.
- Failure to document the specific bone (tibia or fibula) can lead to audit scrutiny, as R237 is restricted to these specific anatomical structures under the Musculoskeletal section.
Billing Tips
- Always verify if the patient qualifies for the age-based premium (under 16) or the trauma premium (E420) to maximize the claim value, as these are frequently overlooked for this procedure.
- If the procedure is performed after hours, ensure you select either E409 or E410 based on the start time, but note that these cannot be combined with the E420 trauma premium.
Provider Fee$355.95
Surgical Assistant Fee$77.46
Anaesthetist Fee$111.72
Non-Anaesthetist Fee$111.72
Effective: April 1, 2026
Category
N. Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
Subcategory
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Service Type
Surgical
Code Classes
Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
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