R483 – Double component knee arthroplasty
OHIP Radiology Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
R483 is a surgical procedure. As per the Schedule of Benefits, when more than one assistant is required for this surgical procedure, the second assistant's service is eligible for payment without requiring prior authorization by a medical consultant. The claim for the second assistant should be calculated in the same manner as the first assistant, as detailed on of the Schedule. The fee for the operating surgeon is $700.65, with an assistant fee of $113.12 (9 base units) and an anaesthesia fee of $122.57 (8 base units).
When to Use
- Use R483 for a primary double component knee arthroplasty when the procedure involves two compartments of the knee.
- Use R483 instead of R441 when the surgical documentation confirms a double component procedure rather than a total knee replacement involving all compartments.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing R483 when the procedure is a revision of a unicondylar knee arthroplasty to a total knee replacement, which must be billed as R441.
- Failing to include the E598 add-on code when a patellar replacement or patelloplasty is performed concurrently with the R483 procedure.
- Incorrectly assuming a second assistant requires prior medical consultant authorization; R483 is explicitly exempt from this requirement.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the second surgical assistant is billed using the same logic as the first assistant, as R483 is one of the few procedures where this is permitted without prior approval.
- Always verify the start time of the surgery to correctly apply after-hours premiums (E400B/E401B for assistants or E400C/E401C for anaesthesia) to maximize the total claim value.
Effective: April 1, 2025
N. Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures, Surgical Assistants' Services, Anaesthesiologists' Services
R483 is listed among the services where a second assistant's services are payable and authorization is not required.
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