R349 – Posterior dento-alveolar osteotomy, maxilla - one side
OHIP Radiology Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Performs a posterior dento-alveolar osteotomy on one side of the maxilla. This is a surgical procedure listed under the 'Orthognathic Surgery' subsection of the Musculoskeletal System section of the Schedule of Benefits (see ). Assistant service (R349B) is payable with 6 basic units, and anaesthesia service (R349C) is payable with 15 basic units, plus applicable time units as defined in and . The fee for the surgeon (R349A) is for the procedure itself and is not unit-based.
When to Use
- Use R349 for a unilateral posterior maxillary dento-alveolar osteotomy performed as part of a segmental orthognathic procedure.
- Select this code when the surgical objective is the repositioning of a posterior maxillary segment to correct malocclusion or dento-facial deformity on one side only.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing R349 alongside other maxillary osteotomy codes (e.g., R351) without checking for potential bundling or 'major procedure' rules that may limit the assistant or anaesthesia units to the primary procedure only.
- Attempting to bill for a second surgical assistant without prior authorization; R349 is not on the pre-approved list, and claims will be rejected without a supporting letter submitted to a medical consultant.
- Incorrectly applying after-hours or trauma premiums (E400 series or E420) to the surgeon's fee when the procedure was elective and not delayed by an emergency.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the anaesthesia and assistant units are claimed based on the major procedure if multiple surgical sites are addressed during the same anaesthetic session.
- Verify that the patient's age is documented to correctly apply the surgical age premium (suffix A and B) for patients under 16 years of age.
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.