S276 – Choledochotomy (previous cholecystectomy)
OHIP Urology Code — DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Choledochotomy (previous cholecystectomy) is a surgical procedure involving an incision into the common bile duct. This service is performed in patients who have previously undergone a cholecystectomy. The fee includes the surgical procedure itself (<suffix>A</suffix>), as well as potential services for a surgical assistant (<suffix>B</suffix>) and an anaesthesiologist (<suffix>C</suffix>), each with their own base unit calculations as defined in the Schedule. See the surgical assistants' services preamble starting on page and anaesthesiologists' services preamble on page for full details on how fees are calculated.
When to Use
- Use S276 for an open surgical exploration and incision of the common bile duct specifically in a patient with a documented history of a prior cholecystectomy.
- Use this code for secondary common bile duct stone retrieval or stricture management when an open approach is required following a previous cholecystectomy.
Common Pitfalls
- Claiming S276 alongside S281 is a common billing error that will trigger an automatic rejection due to the explicit restriction between these two codes.
- Failing to document the Injury Severity Score (ISS) in the medical record when claiming the E420 Trauma Premium will lead to claim recovery during an audit.
- Attempting to bill S276 for a primary cholecystectomy or an initial exploration of the biliary tree; the patient must have a confirmed history of a previous cholecystectomy.
Billing Tips
- Always append the E704 add-on code if a choledochoscopy is performed during the procedure to capture the additional $46.50 fee.
- Ensure that any applicable age-based surgical premiums are applied to the base fee of S276, as these are calculated as a percentage increase on the procedural fee.
Effective: April 1, 2026
S. Digestive System Surgical Procedures
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Digestive System Surgical Procedures
When claiming the Trauma Premium E420, the medical record must list the Injury Severity Score (ISS).
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