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S044
S044 – Parotid gland - total (without preservation of facial nerve)
OHIP Urology Code — DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Represents the total surgical excision of the parotid gland without the preservation of the facial nerve. As a surgical procedure, it is eligible for surgeon (A), assistant (B), and anaesthetist (C) suffix claims. The fees for assistant and anaesthetist services are calculated based on a system of basic units plus time units as detailed in the General Preamble.
When to Use
- Use S044 for a total parotidectomy where the facial nerve is intentionally sacrificed due to malignancy or direct tumor invasion.
- Use S044 instead of S043 when the surgical plan necessitates the complete removal of the gland and the nerve, rather than a superficial or partial parotidectomy.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing S044 when a facial nerve preservation technique was actually performed; this should be billed under S043 or S045 depending on the extent of the resection.
- Failing to document the specific clinical indication for nerve sacrifice, which is a common trigger for post-payment audit reviews regarding the necessity of the procedure.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report explicitly states the facial nerve was not preserved to justify the use of S044 over other parotidectomy codes.
- If the procedure is performed as an emergency or after-hours, ensure the start time is clearly documented to support the application of E409 or E410 premiums.
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