R712 – Cardiotomy with exploration
OHIP Radiology Code — CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Cardiotomy with exploration. This surgical service includes all common and specific elements of a surgical procedure, including pre-operative evaluation, the procedure itself, and post-operative care. - Surgeon (Suffix A): Performs the cardiotomy. - Surgical Assistant (Suffix B): Includes preparing the patient, assisting in the procedure, and monitoring during the post-operative period as described in . Fee is based on 18 base units plus time units. - Anaesthesiologist (Suffix C): Includes pre-anaesthetic evaluation, anaesthetic procedure, and post-anaesthetic follow-up as described in . Fee is based on 20 base units plus time units.
When to Use
- Use R712 for primary cardiotomy procedures involving the exploration of cardiac chambers or structures.
- Select R712 when the procedure is limited to exploration and does not escalate to the more complex repair or reconstruction procedures defined under R713 or R714.
Common Pitfalls
- Failing to document the specific clinical necessity for exploration if the procedure is performed in conjunction with other cardiovascular interventions, which may trigger audit flags for unbundling.
- Incorrectly billing R712 when the operative report indicates a more definitive repair, which should instead be coded under the appropriate higher-value R-series cardiovascular codes.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report clearly distinguishes the exploratory nature of the cardiotomy from any subsequent repair to justify the use of R712 over more extensive procedure codes.
Effective: April 1, 2025
Q. Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
Anaesthesia: 20 base units.
Surgical Assistant: 18 base units.
A second surgical assistant's services are eligible for payment without prior authorization.
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