What is OHIP billing code S401?

S401 is "Drainage of renal or perirenal abscess", an OHIP Urology code from the Ontario Schedule of Benefits (Physician Services).

How much does S401 pay?

The current OHIP fee for S401 is $440.95, effective 2026-04-01, per the Ontario Schedule of Benefits.

How do I bill S401 to OHIP?

S401 is submitted through OHIP's MCEDT claims system, either directly or via billing software. SnapBill validates S401 claims against the Schedule of Benefits rules before submission.

What codes are related to S401?

Codes related to S401 in the Schedule of Benefits include E752, S400, S402, S403, S405, S408, S410, S411.

All codes

S401

S401 – Drainage of renal or perirenal abscess

OHIP Urology Code — UROGENITAL AND URINARY SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits

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S401 is a surgical procedure for the drainage of a kidney abscess, categorized under Urogenital and Urinary Surgical Procedures. The service allows for a surgeon (`S401A), a surgical assistant (S401B), and an anaesthetist (S401C`). The surgeon's fee is a set fee. The assistant's fee is calculated based on 7 base units plus time units as described in . The anaesthetist's fee is calculated based on 7 base units plus time units as described in .

When to Use

Use S401 for the formal surgical drainage of a renal or perirenal abscess, distinct from percutaneous drainage procedures which may fall under different diagnostic imaging or interventional radiology codes.
Select S401 when the procedure is performed as an open or laparoscopic surgical intervention to evacuate a confirmed abscess collection within or surrounding the kidney.

Common Pitfalls

Billing S401 alongside J069 is prohibited; ensure you are not submitting these on the same claim as they are restricted codes.
Assuming a second surgical assistant is automatically covered; S401 is not on the pre-approved list, and you must obtain prior authorization from a medical consultant with a formal letter of necessity.
Failing to document the Injury Severity Score (ISS) when attempting to claim the E420 trauma premium, which is a common cause for automatic rejection.

Billing Tips

When performing multiple surgical procedures under one anaesthetic, ensure the assistant and anaesthetist only claim the 7 base units associated with the major procedure.
Always verify the start time of the procedure against the E400/E401 series premiums to ensure you are capturing the correct after-hours or night-time percentage increase for the assistant and anaesthetist.

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Provider Fee$440.95

Surgical Assistant Fee$90.37

Anaesthetist Fee$111.72

Non-Anaesthetist Fee$111.72

Effective: April 1, 2026

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