All codes
R652
R652 – Removal intermaxillary fixation devices under general anaesthesia - as sole procedure
OHIP Radiology Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This service covers the surgical removal of intermaxillary fixation devices. This procedure must be performed under general anaesthesia to be eligible for payment. The fee is applicable only when this is the sole procedure performed during the operative session.
When to Use
- Use R652 when the sole surgical objective of the operative session is the removal of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) hardware under general anaesthesia.
- Select this code when the patient requires general anaesthesia for hardware removal due to patient intolerance or complexity that precludes local anaesthesia or sedation in an office setting.
Common Pitfalls
- Submitting R652 alongside any other surgical procedure code will result in a rejection, as it is strictly defined as a 'sole procedure' service.
- Billing R652 for hardware removal performed under local anaesthesia or conscious sedation is an audit risk, as general anaesthesia is a mandatory requirement for this fee.
- Attempting to claim R652 when the IMF removal is part of a larger, multi-stage reconstructive surgery will lead to payment denial; in such cases, the removal is considered incidental to the primary procedure.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report explicitly documents the administration of general anaesthesia and confirms that no other surgical procedures were performed during the same session to support the 'sole procedure' requirement.
- If the patient meets the specific age criteria, remember to append the appropriate age-based premium to the R652 base fee to maximize the claim value.
Ready to bill this code?
SnapBill makes OHIP billing simple — auto-filled codes, validation, and batch submission.