R329 – Clavicle
OHIP Radiology Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
R329 is a surgical procedure. The service includes all common elements of insured services as outlined in the Schedule of Benefits (-14). Surgeon (Suffix A): The fee for the surgeon is a flat rate. Surgical Assistant (Suffix B): The fee for a surgical assistant is calculated based on basic units and time units. Specific elements include preparing the patient, assisting in the procedure and recovery, arranging related assessments, and post-procedure monitoring (). Anaesthesiologist (Suffix C): The fee for an anaesthesiologist is calculated based on basic units and time units. The service includes pre-anaesthetic evaluation, performing the anaesthetic, and post-anaesthetic follow-up ().
When to Use
- Use R329 for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or other definitive surgical repair of a clavicle fracture.
- Use R329 when performing a surgical excision of a clavicular lesion or partial claviculectomy that meets the threshold of a major surgical procedure.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing R329 for simple closed reductions or minor procedures that are more appropriately captured by lower-level musculoskeletal codes.
- Attempting to bill a second surgical assistant without prior authorization; unlike major trauma surgeries, R329 is not pre-approved for a second assistant on the GP90 list.
- Failure to document the specific surgical approach and fixation method, which can lead to audit scrutiny regarding the necessity of the procedure compared to conservative management.
Billing Tips
- Ensure that if the procedure is performed after hours, you append the correct premium (E400B/E401B for assistants or E400C/E401C for anaesthesiologists) to the respective suffix claim.
- If the procedure is trauma-related, document the Injury Severity Score (ISS) clearly in the operative report to support the E420 trauma premium claim.
Effective: April 1, 2026
N. Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
All insured services must be documented in appropriate records to establish that: 1. an insured service was provided; 2. the service for which the account is submitted is the service that was rendered; and 3. the service was medically necessary.
Ready to bill this code?
SnapBill makes OHIP billing simple — auto-filled codes, validation, and batch submission.