R439 – Unipolar arthroplasty
OHIP Radiology Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
R439 is a unipolar hip arthroplasty. This is a surgical procedure billable by the surgeon (suffix A), assistant (suffix B), and anaesthetist (suffix C). Anaesthesia & Assistant Units: The fee for assistant services is calculated using 6 basic units plus time units. The fee for anaesthesia services is calculated using 10 basic units plus time units. For detailed calculation rules, refer to the Surgical Assistants' Services () and Anaesthesiologists' Services () sections of the Schedule.
When to Use
- Use R439 specifically for unipolar hip arthroplasty (hemiarthroplasty) where only the femoral head is replaced.
- Do not use R439 for total hip arthroplasty; use the appropriate R-series code for total joint replacement instead.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing for a second assistant without prior authorization; R439 does not automatically qualify for a second assistant fee.
- Incorrectly applying trauma premiums (E420) without documenting the required Injury Severity Score (ISS) in the patient's medical record.
- Failing to link the correct after-hours or night premium (E409/E410) to the procedure, which must be submitted on the same claim as the base R439 code.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the surgical assistant and anaesthesiologist include their respective time units in addition to the base units defined in GP85 and GP92 to ensure full payment.
- When claiming anaesthesia add-ons like E022C, E017C, or E016C for emergency cases, remember to include E020C to capture the additional 4 units for emergency surgery.
Effective: April 1, 2026
N. Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
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