X010 – Mastoids - bilateral - six views
OHIP Laboratory Code — DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY · Schedule of Benefits
A bilateral radiological examination of the mastoids requiring a total of six views. This procedure is listed in the Diagnostic Radiology section of the Schedule of Benefits under Head and Neck imaging. The fee is split into a professional component (P) for interpretation and a technical component (H) for performing the x-ray. Note: Dental x-rays of the teeth are not an insured benefit.
When to Use
- Use X010 when a formal six-view bilateral mastoid series is clinically indicated for suspected mastoiditis or chronic inflammatory disease, distinguishing it from the single-view or limited-view protocols often captured under other head/neck codes.
- Use this code specifically for bilateral imaging; if only a unilateral study is performed, X010 is inappropriate and you must look to the specific unilateral mastoid code X011.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing the technical component (H) for hospital in-patients or patients admitted within 24 hours of the service; in these cases, only the professional component (P) is eligible for payment.
- Attempting to bill X010 for dental-related imaging of the teeth, which is explicitly excluded as an insured benefit under the Schedule of Benefits.
- Submitting the technical component (H) for services performed in a non-hospital facility, as this component is strictly restricted to hospital-based settings.
Billing Tips
- Ensure your documentation explicitly confirms the six-view requirement was met, as auditors frequently cross-reference the number of views against the specific code definition to prevent upcoding from lower-level mastoid studies.
- When billing for urgent after-hours interpretations, ensure you select the correct Special Visit Premium (C109, C108, or C110) based on the time of day, as these are the only premiums compatible with the professional component of X010.
Effective: April 1, 2025
D. Diagnostic Radiology
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY
Diagnostic
Diagnostic Radiology
The medical record must establish that the service was medically necessary as per .
The physician submitting a claim for the technical component must maintain documentation describing the quality assurance process in accordance with professional standards, as per .
Dental x-rays of the teeth are not an insured benefit.
Ready to bill this code?
SnapBill makes OHIP billing simple — auto-filled codes, validation, and batch submission.