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R781
R781 – Ligation of artery - as sole procedure
OHIP Radiology Code — CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
R781 is for the surgical ligation of an artery. A key condition for payment is that this must be the sole procedure performed. If ligation is performed as part of a more extensive procedure, it is considered a component of that major procedure and is not separately billable. This service is eligible for surgeon (A), assistant (B), and anaesthetist (C) fees, with assistant and anaesthetist fees calculated based on units.
When to Use
- Use R781 for the isolated ligation of a peripheral artery when no other surgical procedure is performed in the same operative field.
- Use this code for emergency control of hemorrhage where the ligation is the sole definitive surgical intervention performed during the session.
Common Pitfalls
- Claiming R781 when the ligation is performed as an incidental step during a larger procedure, such as an amputation or bypass, which is a violation of the 'as sole procedure' requirement.
- Attempting to bill R781 in addition to other surgical codes performed on the same vessel or in the same anatomical site, which will trigger an automatic rejection for unbundling.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report explicitly states that the ligation was the sole procedure performed to support the claim against potential post-payment audits.
- If the ligation is performed as part of a more complex vascular repair, bill the comprehensive procedure code instead of R781, as the ligation is considered an inherent component of the major surgery.
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