S652 – Staging pelvic lymphadenectomy for prostatic cancer
OHIP Urology Code — MALE GENITAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Staging pelvic lymphadenectomy for prostatic cancer, which can be performed as an open or laparoscopic procedure. The service must include the removal of, at a minimum, bilateral obturator nodes to qualify for this code. If only a sampling of nodes is performed, it does not constitute a complete staging lymphadenectomy, and either S312 (laparotomy) or Z553 (laparoscopic biopsy) may be appropriate depending on the procedure performed. This service is eligible for surgeon (<suffix>A</suffix>), assistant (<suffix>B</suffix>), and anaesthetist (<suffix>C</suffix>) fees.
When to Use
- Use S652 when performing a formal staging pelvic lymphadenectomy for prostatic cancer that includes the removal of bilateral obturator nodes.
- Use S652 for both open and laparoscopic approaches, ensuring the laparoscopic premium E792 is applied when the latter is performed.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing S652 for simple node sampling; if the bilateral obturator nodes are not removed, you must use S312 for open or Z553 for laparoscopic biopsy instead.
- Failing to explicitly document the removal of bilateral obturator nodes in the operative report, which is a mandatory requirement for audit compliance.
Billing Tips
- Always append the E792 premium code to your claim when the procedure is performed laparoscopically to capture the 25% fee increase.
Effective: April 1, 2025
U. Male Genital Surgical Procedures
MALE GENITAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Male Genital Surgical Procedures
The operative report must document that at a minimum, bilateral obturator nodes were removed.
Male
The fee for the surgeon (<suffix>A</suffix>) is a flat rate. Assistant (<suffix>B</suffix>) and anaesthetist (<suffix>C</suffix>) services are calculated based on basic units plus time-based units. For assistant services, the basic units are 7 (<sectionPages></sectionPages>). For anaesthesia services, the basic units are 10 (<sectionPages></sectionPages>). Time units for both are calculated as per the rules in the Surgical Assistants' Services (<sectionPages></sectionPages>) and Anaesthesiologists' Services (<sectionPages></sectionPages>) sections of the Schedule.
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