What is OHIP billing code S481?

S481 is "Cystolithotomy - when sole operative procedure", an OHIP Urology code from the Ontario Schedule of Benefits (Physician Services).

How much does S481 pay?

The current OHIP fee for S481 is $279.45, effective 2026-04-01, per the Ontario Schedule of Benefits.

How do I bill S481 to OHIP?

S481 is submitted through OHIP's MCEDT claims system, either directly or via billing software. SnapBill validates S481 claims against the Schedule of Benefits rules before submission.

What codes are related to S481?

Codes related to S481 in the Schedule of Benefits include E792.

All codes

S481

S481 – Cystolithotomy - when sole operative procedure

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

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A cystolithotomy is a surgical incision into the bladder to remove one or more stones. This service, billed as S481, is only eligible for payment when it is the sole operative procedure performed. The surgical fee is for the surgeon's service (suffix A). Separate fees are payable for an assistant (suffix B) based on 6 basic units plus time units, and for an anaesthesiologist (suffix C) based on 7 basic units plus time units. If the procedure is performed laparoscopically, the E792 premium can be claimed for a 25% increase to the surgical fee.

When to Use

Use S481 when performing an open cystolithotomy as the only surgical procedure during the operative session.
Use S481 for the removal of bladder stones via cystotomy when no other concurrent urological procedures, such as a prostatectomy or bladder diverticulectomy, are performed.

Common Pitfalls

Billing S481 in conjunction with other surgical procedures will trigger an automatic rejection, as the code is strictly restricted to sole operative procedures.
Failure to append the E792 premium when the procedure is performed laparoscopically results in an underpayment of 25% of the surgical fee.
Attempting to bill S481 when the stone is removed via cystoscopy (e.g., litholapaxy) is incorrect; S481 is specifically for an open surgical incision into the bladder.

Billing Tips

Ensure the operative report clearly documents that no other procedures were performed to support the 'sole operative procedure' requirement during potential audits.
If the procedure is performed after hours, ensure the appropriate E409 or E410 premium is applied to the surgical fee to maximize the claim value.

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Provider Fee$279.45

Surgical Assistant Fee$77.46

Anaesthetist Fee$111.72

Non-Anaesthetist Fee$111.72

Effective: April 1, 2026

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