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R820
R820 – Lacerated major vein or microscopic repair of digital vein
OHIP Radiology Code — CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This procedure is for the surgical repair of a lacerated major vein, with examples including femoral, popliteal, vena cava, axillary, sub-clavian, and brachial veins. It also covers the microscopic repair of a digital vein. The service is billable by the surgeon (suffix A), with separate calculations for the assistant (suffix B) and anaesthetist (suffix C) based on basic and time units. The assistant service (R820B) is valued at 6 basic units, and the anaesthesia service (R820C) is valued at 7 basic units.
When to Use
- Use R820 for the surgical repair of a major vein (e.g., femoral, popliteal, subclavian) following a traumatic laceration.
- Use R820 for microscopic repair of a digital vein, distinguishing it from standard vascular repairs like R818 or R819 which typically involve different anatomical scopes or vessel types.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing R820 alongside other vascular repairs without clear documentation of separate incisions or distinct anatomical sites, which risks a claim rejection for unbundling.
- Failing to document the specific vessel repaired, as the OHIP Schedule of Benefits requires clear identification of the major vein or digital vein to justify the R820 fee over lesser vascular codes.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the surgical assistant and anaesthetist suffixes (B and C) are billed using the correct basic unit values (6 and 7 respectively) to avoid manual adjustment or rejection by the Ministry.
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