R701 – Uni-ventricular assist device insertion
OHIP Radiology Code — CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Surgical insertion of a uni-ventricular assist device. Payment Rules: - R701 or R702 are eligible for payment only for paracorporeal devices inserted for less than 14 days. - Despite payment rule #1, R701 is also eligible for payment in addition to R703 or R704 when a right ventricular assist device is inserted to support a left ventricular assist device, regardless of the duration of insertion of the right ventricular assist device. - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenator procedures do not constitute R701. See Z788. - A second assistant's services are payable and authorization is not required as per . Commentary: - Z744 (decannulation) or R705 (removal) are eligible for payment when rendered with cardiac transplantation. - If a ventricular assist device is replaced, both the appropriate removal and insertion fee codes are eligible for payment.
When to Use
- Use R701 for the surgical insertion of a paracorporeal uni-ventricular assist device when the expected duration of support is less than 14 days.
- Use R701 in conjunction with R703 or R704 when inserting a right ventricular assist device to support an existing left ventricular assist device, regardless of the intended duration of the right-sided support.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing R701 for extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) procedures, which must be billed under Z788 instead.
- Attempting to bill R701 for devices intended to remain in place for 14 days or longer, as this violates the duration-based payment rules.
- Incorrectly selecting R705 for device removal when the device was in place for less than 14 days; Z744 is the correct code for short-term removal.
Billing Tips
- When replacing a ventricular assist device, ensure you bill both the removal code (Z744 or R705) and the appropriate insertion code (R701) to capture the full scope of the procedure.
- Always document the specific duration of the device insertion in the operative report to justify the selection of R701 over R703.
Effective: April 1, 2025
Q. Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
Payment rules: 1. R701 or R702 are eligible for payment only for paracorporeal devices inserted for less than 14 days. 2. Despite payment rule #1, R701 is also eligible for payment in addition to R703 or R704 when a right ventricular assist device is inserted to support a left ventricular assist device, regardless of the duration of insertion of the right ventricular assist device. 3. R703 is eligible for payment only for paracorporeal devices inserted for 14 or more days. 4. R705 is only eligible for payment for removal of paracorporeal or implantable ventricular assist devices inserted for 14 or more days. 5. R705 includes repair of vessels when rendered. 6. Z744 (decannulation of circulatory assist device) is eligible for payment for removal of paracorporeal or implantable ventricular assist devices inserted for less than 14 days. 7. Only one of Z744 or R705 is eligible for payment per patient per day for removal of ventricular assist devices. 8. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenator procedures do not constitute R701, R702, R703 or R704.
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