R705 – Removal of ventricular assist device
OHIP Radiology Code — CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This service is for the removal of a paracorporeal or implantable ventricular assist device. It is only payable if the device has been in situ for 14 days or more. The fee for this procedure includes the repair of vessels when rendered. For removal of devices inserted for less than 14 days, see Z744. If a ventricular assist device is being replaced, both the removal (R705) and the appropriate insertion fee codes are eligible for payment. This service is also eligible for payment when rendered in conjunction with a cardiac transplantation. Claims should only be submitted after the device has been inserted for 14 or more days.
When to Use
- Use R705 for the removal of a ventricular assist device (VAD) only when the device has been in situ for 14 days or longer.
- Use R705 in conjunction with a cardiac transplantation procedure if the VAD is removed during the transplant surgery.
- Use R705 in combination with the appropriate insertion code when performing a planned device replacement.
Common Pitfalls
- Submitting R705 for devices in place for less than 14 days, which will result in a rejection; use Z744 for these cases instead.
- Attempting to bill separately for vessel repairs performed during the removal, as these are considered included in the R705 fee.
- Submitting R705 and Z744 on the same day, which is prohibited as only one removal code is payable per patient per day.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the date of insertion is clearly documented in the chart to support the 14-day requirement and prevent audit recovery.
- Apply the appropriate age-based percentage premium (e.g., under 30 days, 30 days to 1 year) to the R705 fee to ensure accurate compensation for pediatric patients.
Effective: April 1, 2025
Q. Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
Claims for R705 should only be submitted after the device has been inserted for 14 or more days.
R705 is only eligible for payment for removal of paracorporeal or implantable ventricular assist devices inserted for 14 or more days.
R705 includes repair of vessels when rendered.
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.
Only one of Z744 or R705 is eligible for payment per patient per day for removal of ventricular assist devices.
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