What is OHIP billing code R519?

R519 is "Release of muscles and tendons - simple", an OHIP Radiology code from the Ontario Schedule of Benefits (Physician Services).

How much does R519 pay?

The current OHIP fee for R519 is $136.35, effective 2025-04-01, per the Ontario Schedule of Benefits.

How do I bill R519 to OHIP?

R519 is submitted through OHIP's MCEDT claims system, either directly or via billing software. SnapBill validates R519 claims against the Schedule of Benefits rules before submission.

What codes are related to R519?

Codes related to R519 in the Schedule of Benefits include R521, R476, R478, R597, R548, R578, E580, R585.

All codes

R519

R519 – Release of muscles and tendons - simple

OHIP Radiology Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits

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This surgical procedure involves a simple release of muscles and tendons of the elbow and forearm. The Schedule of Benefits provides 'tennis elbow' as a typical example for which this service is billed. This service includes all constituent and common elements of an insured service as outlined in the General Preamble (, ).

When to Use

Use for the surgical release of the common extensor origin in patients with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) failing conservative management.
Use for simple release procedures of the forearm musculature or tendons that do not involve complex reconstruction or extensive debridement.
Use when performing a minor release of a specific tendon or muscle group in the elbow or forearm region that is distinct from more complex procedures like R521.

Common Pitfalls

Billing R519 alongside more complex musculoskeletal procedures on the same site may trigger a rejection for unbundling if the work is considered part of a major procedure.
Attempting to bill R519 for diagnostic procedures or simple injections is incorrect; this code specifically requires an active surgical release.
Failure to document the specific anatomical site of the release can lead to audit concerns regarding the necessity and nature of the procedure.

Billing Tips

If performing bilateral releases during the same session, ensure the second procedure is appended with the appropriate bilateral modifier to receive the correct percentage of the fee.
Verify that the procedure was not performed as part of a larger, more comprehensive surgical intervention, as R519 is intended for simple, isolated releases.

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Provider Fee$136.35

Surgical Assistant Fee$75.06

Anaesthetist Fee$92.94

Non-Anaesthetist Fee$92.94

Effective: April 1, 2025

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