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S344
S344 – Hernia fascial defect (diameter 5 cm or greater) repaired with mesh closure
OHIP Urology Code — DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This procedure is for the repair of a ventral or incisional hernia where the fascial defect has a diameter of 5 cm or more, and the repair is performed with a mesh closure. This service is distinct from S340, which is used for smaller defects or primary closure. Add-on fees E829 or E827 may be applicable if a component separation technique is required for larger defects.
When to Use
- Use S344 for the repair of a ventral or incisional hernia where the fascial defect is confirmed to be 5 cm or greater and a mesh closure is utilized.
- Select S344 when the complexity of the defect exceeds the criteria for S340, which is strictly reserved for smaller defects or primary closures without mesh.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing S344 for defects smaller than 5 cm, which will trigger a rejection or audit recovery as these should be billed under S340.
- Attempting to bill E829 or E827 without S344; these add-on codes are strictly dependent on the base S344 procedure and will be rejected if submitted independently.
- Failing to document the specific diameter of the fascial defect, which is required to justify the use of S344 over lower-valued hernia repair codes.
Billing Tips
- Always append E829 for defects between 5-10 cm or E827 for defects greater than 10 cm if a component separation technique is performed to ensure appropriate compensation for the increased surgical complexity.
- Ensure the operative report explicitly mentions the use of mesh and the measured size of the fascial defect to satisfy audit requirements for S344.
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