Z160 – Removal of two lesions by electrocoagulation and/or curetting
OHIP Psychiatric Code — INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This service covers the removal of two Group 1 lesions (e.g., keratosis, pyogenic granuloma) by electrocoagulation and/or curetting, as described on page of the Schedule. The procedure must be for clinical suspicion of disease or malignancy and is not insured for cosmetic purposes. Payment requires complete removal of the lesion, as paring without complete removal is not eligible for payment. The removal of plantar verrucae by this method is also an uninsured service. For classification, refer to Appendix D Surface Pathology.
When to Use
- Use Z160 when you perform the complete removal of exactly two Group 1 lesions, such as seborrheic keratoses or pyogenic granulomas, via electrocoagulation or curettage.
- Select Z160 over Z159 when you are removing two lesions in a single encounter, as Z159 is restricted to the removal of a single lesion.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z160 for the removal of plantar verrucae will result in a rejection, as these are explicitly listed as uninsured services in the Schedule.
- Submitting Z160 for simple paring or partial removal of a lesion is an audit risk, as the Schedule mandates complete removal for the code to be eligible for payment.
- Billing Z160 for cosmetic procedures is a common cause of clawbacks; ensure your clinical notes clearly justify the medical necessity or suspicion of malignancy.
Billing Tips
- If you remove more than two lesions, you must use the appropriate code for the total count (e.g., Z161 for three) rather than stacking multiple units of Z160, which will trigger a rejection due to code restrictions.
Effective: April 1, 2026
M. Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
1. Paring of a lesion by any method, including curetting, and/or electrocoagulation, without complete removal of the lesion does not constitute Z159, Z160 or Z161 and is not eligible for payment.
2. Excision or removal by electrocoagulation and/or curetting of plantar verrucae is not an insured service.
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