X177 – Skin thickness measurement
OHIP Laboratory Code — DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY · Schedule of Benefits
Skin thickness measurement is a diagnostic radiology procedure listed under 'Miscellaneous Examinations'. Payment for this service is split into a professional component ('P', payable at $9.20) and a technical component ('H', payable at $15.60). As per , claims for the professional component should be submitted using suffix 'C', and claims for the technical component using suffix 'B'. The technical component is subject to specific payment rules when performed in a hospital setting.
When to Use
- Use X177 when performing a formal diagnostic skin thickness measurement, typically for monitoring systemic sclerosis or other connective tissue diseases, rather than a standard physical examination.
- Use this code when the clinical requirement is a quantitative assessment of skin thickness that exceeds the scope of a routine dermatological inspection.
Common Pitfalls
- Submitting X177 without the correct suffix (C for professional, B for technical) will result in an automatic rejection or payment error.
- Billing X177 in a hospital setting without verifying if the hospital is claiming the technical component (B) can lead to duplicate billing errors.
- Failing to include a valid referral from a physician or nurse practitioner as required by GP111 will trigger an audit flag.
Billing Tips
- Always ensure your billing software is configured to split the claim into two distinct submissions (X177C and X177B) to capture both components correctly.
- If you are a specialist in Diagnostic Radiology performing this in a hospital, confirm if you are eligible to append special visit premiums like C110 for urgent, non-elective interpretations.
Effective: April 1, 2025
D. Diagnostic Radiology
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY
Diagnostic
Diagnostic Radiology
All insured services must be documented in appropriate records that establish: 1. an insured service was provided; 2. the service for which the account is submitted is the service that was rendered; and 3. the service was medically necessary.
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