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Z154
Z154 – Repair of laceration - up to 5 cm if on face and/or requires tying of bleeders and/or closure in layers
OHIP Psychiatric Code — INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This service is for the repair of a laceration up to 5 cm. This code is specifically for lacerations that are on the face and/or require tying of bleeders and/or closure in layers. For simple lacerations up to 5 cm not on the face and not requiring layered closure or control of bleeders, see Z176. Other related codes for different sizes and complexities include Z175, Z177, Z179, Z190, Z191, and Z192.
When to Use
- Use Z154 for any facial laceration up to 5 cm, regardless of whether it is a simple or layered closure.
- Use Z154 for non-facial lacerations up to 5 cm that specifically require deep tissue closure (in layers) or the ligation of bleeders.
- Use Z176 instead of Z154 for simple, non-facial lacerations up to 5 cm that do not require layered closure or vessel ligation.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z154 for non-facial, simple lacerations that only require skin-level closure; these must be billed as Z176.
- Failing to document the specific need for layered closure or vessel ligation, which is required to justify Z154 over the lower-valued Z176 for non-facial wounds.
- Claiming the full fee when using tissue adhesives (e.g., Dermabond); these must be billed at 50% of the Z154 fee.
Billing Tips
- Always include the E542 premium if the procedure is performed in a clinic or office setting outside of a hospital.
- If you perform extensive debridement, ensure you document the specific criteria from GP12 to support the E531 add-on claim.
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