R889 – Endovascular aneurysm repair using stent grafting – second surgeon
OHIP Radiology Code · Schedule of Benefits
Endovascular aneurysm repair using stent grafting performed by the second surgeon as part of a two-surgeon team. This service includes the insertion of all catheters (including access catheters) and the interpretation of any images taken at the time of the procedure.
When to Use
- Use R889 when acting as the second surgeon in a two-surgeon team performing an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) where the primary surgeon bills R888.
- Use this code specifically for complex cases where the surgical plan mandates two surgeons to manage access catheters and imaging interpretation simultaneously.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing R889 alongside a surgical assistant (suffix B) or anaesthetist (suffix C) is prohibited and will result in claim rejection.
- Attempting to bill R889 when the procedure is performed by a single surgeon; this code is strictly for the second surgeon in a team, whereas R875 must be used for single-surgeon procedures.
- Submitting R889 without the primary surgeon billing R888 will trigger an automatic rejection as the codes are linked as a mandatory pair.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report explicitly details the specific role and contributions of the second surgeon to satisfy audit requirements for the two-surgeon team designation.
- Apply the appropriate after-hours premium (E409 or E410) to the R889 fee if the procedure meets the non-elective or emergency criteria, as these premiums are eligible for addition to this procedural code.
Effective: April 1, 2026
Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
Surgery
The service must be performed as part of a two-surgeon team.
The medical record must document the role of the second surgeon.
Endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms is only recommended for patients who are at high-risk of perioperative morbidity or death from open surgical repair.
R889 is not eligible for virtual care (Appendix J).
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