R881 – Infraceliac aortic cross clamp
OHIP Radiology Code — CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
The general anaesthesia service includes a pre-anaesthetic evaluation, the anaesthetic procedure, and post-anaesthetic follow-up. In addition to the common elements, the service includes the following specific elements: - A. Supervising the preparation of the patient for anaesthesia. - B. Performing the anaesthetic procedure, and procedures associated with the anaesthetic procedure which are not separately payable including providing all supportive measures to the patient during and immediately after the period of anaesthesia; transfer of or assisting with the transfer of the patient to the recovery room; all indicated recovery room procedures, and ongoing monitoring and detention during the immediate post-operative and recovery period. - C. Making arrangements for any assessments, procedures, or therapy, including obtaining any specimens (except for arterial puncture Z459), and/or interpreting the results, on matters related to the service. - D. Making, or supervising the making of, arrangements for follow-up care and when medically indicated, post-procedure monitoring of the patient's condition until the next insured service is provided. - E. Discussion with, and providing any advice and information, including prescribing therapy to the patient or the patient's representative, whether by telephone or otherwise, on matters related to the service. - F. Providing premises, equipment, supplies, and personnel for any aspect(s of specific elements A, C, D, and E that is (are) performed in a place other than the place in which the general anaesthetic service is performed.
When to Use
- Use R881 for anaesthesia services specifically during infrarenal aortic cross-clamping procedures, such as elective or urgent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs.
- Select this code when the surgical procedure involves clamping the aorta below the level of the renal arteries, distinguishing it from suprarenal or thoracic aortic procedures.
Common Pitfalls
- Failing to document the ASA Physical Status Classification level in the patient record, which is a mandatory requirement for all anaesthesia claims.
- Incorrectly billing R881 for procedures involving suprarenal clamping, which may require a different procedural code or additional units depending on the complexity and surgical site.
- Omitting the required 'C' suffix when submitting the claim, which will lead to an automatic rejection by the Ministry.
Billing Tips
- Ensure time units are calculated accurately from the start of anaesthesia induction until the patient is turned over to recovery staff, as these are added to the basic units defined for R881.
- Always verify if the case qualifies for after-hours premiums (E400C/E401C) or special visit premiums (C998C/C985C/C999C) based on the exact start time and hospital travel requirements to maximize the claim value.
Effective: April 1, 2025
Q. Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Anaesthesia
Anaesthesiologists' Services
A pre-anaesthetic evaluation, with specific elements as for assessments (see ).
Post-anaesthetic follow-up.
The anaesthesiologist must determine and record the ASA Physical Status Classification level at the time of the pre-operative anaesthesia assessment.
With the exception of the listings in the “Consultations and Visits” section, all references to an anaesthesiologist in this Schedule are references to any physician providing anaesthetic services.
As defined in the General Preamble (see ), general anaesthesia, for the purposes of this Schedule, includes all forms of anaesthesia except topical anaesthesia or local infiltration, unless otherwise specifically listed.
Ready to bill this code?
SnapBill makes OHIP billing simple — auto-filled codes, validation, and batch submission.