R872 – Donor cardiectomy
OHIP Radiology Code — CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
The R872 service is for the surgical procedure of donor cardiectomy, which involves the removal of a donor's heart for organ transplantation. This service has specific basic units for both the surgical assistant (<suffix>B</suffix>) and the anaesthetist (<suffix>C</suffix>). See for details.
When to Use
- Use R872 specifically for the surgical removal of a donor heart intended for transplantation.
- Use this code when performing the cardiectomy procedure on a donor, distinct from recipient-side procedures like R874 (Heart transplantation).
Common Pitfalls
- Do not bill ASA status modifiers E017C, E016C, or E020C, as these are explicitly excluded for brain-dead organ donors.
- Avoid confusing R872 with R870 (Donor pneumonectomy) or other organ-specific donor codes, as incorrect code selection will lead to immediate rejection.
Billing Tips
- A second surgical assistant is eligible for payment without prior authorization; ensure the second assistant is clearly identified on the claim to avoid manual review delays.
Effective: April 1, 2026
Q. Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
All insured services must be documented in appropriate medical records to establish that the service was provided, medically necessary, and is the service for which the account is submitted.
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