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S155
S155 – Colonoscopy with laparotomy
OHIP Urology Code — DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Colonoscopy with laparotomy is a surgical procedure involving an open incision into the abdominal cavity (laparotomy) to directly access the colon, performed in conjunction with a colonoscopy for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. As with all insured services, this procedure includes the common elements outlined in - of the Schedule.
When to Use
- Use S155 when a formal laparotomy is required to access the colon for a procedure that cannot be completed via standard endoscopic approach, such as intraoperative localization of a lesion or management of a perforation.
- Use S155 for combined procedures where the open abdominal entry is the primary surgical event and the colonoscopy is an integral component of that specific operative session.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing S155 in addition to a standard diagnostic colonoscopy code (e.g., Z555) is an error; S155 is a comprehensive code that encompasses the combined procedure.
- Attempting to claim S155 for a laparoscopic-assisted colonoscopy is incorrect, as S155 specifically denotes an open laparotomy; laparoscopic procedures require different coding protocols.
- Failure to document the necessity of the laparotomy in the operative report often leads to audit recovery, as the Ministry expects justification for why a standard endoscopic approach was insufficient.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report clearly details the laparotomy incision and the specific intraoperative findings that necessitated the open approach to support the S155 claim.
- When performing multiple procedures during the same anaesthetic, remember that the anaesthesiologist and surgical assistant fees are restricted to the major procedure units only, as per GP85 and GP93.
Provider Fee$387.40
Surgical Assistant Fee$75.06
Anaesthetist Fee$108.43
Non-Anaesthetist Fee$108.43
Effective: April 1, 2025
Since Apr 2004, this fee has increased 0.0% vs 57.0% CPI inflation
Category
S. Digestive System Surgical Procedures
Subcategory
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Service Type
Surgical
Code Classes
Digestive System Surgical Procedures
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