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Z177
Z177 – Repair of laceration, 5.1 to 10 cm, complex
OHIP Psychiatric Code — INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
- 5.1 to 10 cm if on face and/or requires tying of bleeders and/or closure in layers
When to Use
- Use Z177 for facial lacerations between 5.1 and 10 cm, regardless of depth, as the location criteria automatically qualifies it as complex.
- Use Z177 for non-facial lacerations between 5.1 and 10 cm that specifically require multi-layer closure or the ligation of bleeders to achieve hemostasis.
- Use Z177 when the complexity of the wound requires significant surgical intervention beyond simple superficial approximation, distinguishing it from Z176.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z177 for a simple 6 cm laceration on the arm that does not require deep layer closure or vessel ligation; this should be billed under Z176.
- Failing to reduce the fee by 50% when using tissue adhesives (e.g., Dermabond) for closure, as this is a mandatory adjustment per the Schedule of Benefits.
- Attempting to bill an office visit (e.g., A007) in addition to Z177 on the same day, which is generally disallowed under GP15 unless the assessment is for an unrelated condition.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative note explicitly documents 'layer closure' or 'tying of bleeders' if the laceration is not on the face, as this is the primary audit trigger for the 'complex' designation.
- If performing the procedure in a clinic setting, remember to append E542 to capture the premium for non-hospital surgical services.
Provider Fee$78.15
Anaesthetist Fee$95.76
Non-Anaesthetist Fee$95.76
Effective: April 1, 2026
Category
M. Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
Subcategory
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Service Type
Surgical
Code Classes
Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
Wound closure via tissue adhesives (such as cyanoacrylate) is payable at 50% of the appropriate fee.
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