All codes
R897
R897 – Open abdominal aortic repair (tube graft or endarterectomy) – second surgeon
OHIP Radiology Code · Schedule of Benefits
Professional fee for the second surgeon when two surgeons are required to perform an open abdominal aortic repair (tube graft or endarterectomy).
When to Use
- Use R897 when a second surgeon is medically necessary to assist in an open abdominal aortic repair, such as cases requiring complex vascular reconstruction or extensive dissection.
- Use this code specifically when the primary surgeon is billing R896 for the same procedure on the same patient.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing R897 while also attempting to claim assistant fees or E626/E627/E986, which are strictly prohibited for the second surgeon.
- Submitting R897 without clear documentation in the operative report detailing the specific, distinct roles performed by the second surgeon compared to the primary surgeon.
- Billing R897 in conjunction with R802, which is a single-surgeon code and mutually exclusive with the two-surgeon billing arrangement.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the primary surgeon bills R896 to trigger the eligibility for R897, as the total combined fee is intended to be 150% of the R802 single-surgeon rate.
- Always append suffix A to the claim to ensure correct processing for this surgical procedure.
Provider Fee$1,523.95
Effective: April 1, 2026
Service Type
Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
Code Classes
Surgery
Operative report must document the involvement and specific roles of two surgeons.
Assistant and Anaesthesia fees are 'nil' for the second surgeon as they are claimed by the first surgeon (R896).
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