S271 – Hepatectomy, five or more liver segments
OHIP Urology Code — DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
S271 is a major surgical procedure involving the formal anatomical resection and excision of five or more liver segments. This service is eligible for payment to the surgeon (suffix A), an assistant (suffix B), and an anaesthesiologist (suffix C). The assistant's service has 12 basic units and the anaesthetist's service has 12 basic units. A second assistant is payable without special authorization. A cholecystectomy is not payable in conjunction with this procedure. The fee can be modified by add-on codes for laparoscopy (E793), patient age, trauma, and after-hours service.
When to Use
- Use S271 when performing a formal anatomical resection of five or more liver segments, such as an extended right or left hepatectomy.
- Select S271 over S270 when the operative report confirms the resection involves five or more segments, whereas S270 is restricted to four segments.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing a cholecystectomy concurrently with S271 will result in an automatic rejection, as the liver resection is considered to encompass the gallbladder bed.
- Failing to document the specific segments removed can lead to audit recovery if the claim is downgraded to a lesser hepatectomy code like S270.
Billing Tips
- Always append E814 if a formal portal lymphadenectomy is performed, ensuring the operative report explicitly describes the removal of lymphatic tissue surrounding the portal vein and hepatic artery.
- Ensure the surgical assistant and anaesthesiologist claims are submitted with the correct 12 basic units plus time units to avoid underpayment on the surgical package.
Effective: April 1, 2026
S. Digestive System Surgical Procedures
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Digestive System Surgical Procedures
The medical record must establish that an insured service was provided, the service for which the account is submitted is the service that was rendered, and the service was medically necessary.
An appropriate operative report must be included in the patient's medical record.
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