S432 – Exploration of retroperitoneal tumour
OHIP Urology Code — UROGENITAL AND URINARY SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Exploration of retroperitoneal tumour, as listed in the Urogenital and Urinary Surgical Procedures section of the Schedule. This service is a surgical procedure and must be claimed with the appropriate suffix. - Suffix A (Surgeon): For the physician performing the procedure. - Suffix B (Assistant): Payable for a surgical assistant. The fee is calculated based on 7 basic units plus time units as per rules on -. - Suffix C (Anaesthetist): Payable for the anaesthesiologist. The fee is calculated based on 7 basic units plus time units as per rules on -.
When to Use
- Use S432 when performing a diagnostic or therapeutic exploration of the retroperitoneal space specifically for a tumor, distinct from the more comprehensive retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) procedures.
- Select S432 when the primary intent of the surgery is the identification and assessment of a retroperitoneal mass, provided the procedure does not escalate into a more complex organ-specific resection that would be billed under a different code.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing S432 in conjunction with other major retroperitoneal surgeries; if a definitive resection is performed, the exploration is typically considered an integral part of the primary procedure and not separately billable.
- Failure to provide a letter of justification when attempting to claim a second assistant; unlike standard surgical procedures, a second assistant for S432 is not automatically eligible and requires manual review.
- Confusing S432 with S431; ensure the clinical documentation clearly differentiates between the exploration of a tumor and other retroperitoneal procedures to avoid rejection for incorrect code selection.
Billing Tips
- When claiming for a second assistant, submit the surgeon's letter of justification concurrently with the claim to avoid immediate rejection and minimize processing delays.
- Always verify if the procedure qualifies for age-based premiums (GP64) or after-hours premiums (E409/E410), as these are frequently missed on surgical claims for retroperitoneal pathology.
Effective: April 1, 2025
T. Urogenital and Urinary Surgical Procedures
UROGENITAL AND URINARY SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Urogenital and Urinary Surgical Procedures
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