Z179 – Repair of laceration - 10.1 to 15 cm
OHIP Psychiatric Code — INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Surgical repair of a laceration with a length between 10.1 cm and 15.1 cm. This fee code applies to simple repairs that are not on the face and do not require the tying of bleeders or closure in layers. For lacerations on the face or those requiring more complex closure, see Z190. For removal of sutures only, claim the appropriate visit fee (UVC).
When to Use
- Use for a single, linear, simple laceration on the trunk or extremities measuring between 10.1 cm and 15 cm that requires only a single layer of closure.
- Use when the repair involves simple suturing of a non-facial wound where no deep tissue repair, vessel ligation, or complex debridement is performed.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z179 for facial lacerations, which must be billed under Z190 regardless of length due to the complexity and cosmetic requirements of facial repairs.
- Claiming the full fee when using tissue adhesives (e.g., Dermabond); this must be billed at 50% of the Z179 rate per the Schedule of Benefits.
- Attempting to bill Z179 for multiple smaller lacerations that sum to 10.1 cm; the code applies to a single continuous wound length, not the cumulative total of multiple separate wounds.
Billing Tips
- If the laceration requires closure in layers or involves significant debridement, Z179 is inappropriate; bill the corresponding complex repair code instead.
- Ensure the operative note explicitly states the length of the laceration in centimeters to justify the use of Z179 over shorter length codes like Z177.
Effective: April 1, 2026
M. Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
Wound closure via tissue adhesives (such as cyanoacrylate) is payable at 50% of the appropriate fee.
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