Z337 – Rib resection for drainage
OHIP Psychiatric Code — RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Rib resection for drainage. As an Independent Operative Procedure (IOP), this service includes pre-operative and post-operative care. If the major pre-operative visit is rendered in the previous 12-month period prior to the IOP service by the same physician, only a minor assessment (if rendered by a General and Family Physician) or a partial assessment (if rendered by a specialist) is eligible for payment on the same day prior to the IOP service. When the major preoperative assessment is rendered on the same day as the IOP, no other consultation or assessment is eligible for payment if rendered prior to the IOP service by the same physician on the same day. For full details on included care, see the Surgical Preamble (-).
When to Use
- Use Z337 for the surgical drainage of an empyema or abscess requiring the resection of a portion of the rib for adequate access.
- Use this code when performing a rib resection specifically for the purpose of establishing drainage, as opposed to a simple thoracentesis or chest tube insertion.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing a full consultation or major assessment on the same day as Z337 will result in a rejection, as the IOP includes pre-operative care.
- Failing to document the specific necessity for rib resection versus less invasive drainage methods can lead to audit recovery if the procedure is deemed medically unnecessary.
Billing Tips
- If you have already performed a major assessment within the previous 12 months, ensure you only bill a minor or partial assessment on the day of the procedure to remain compliant with IOP rules.
Effective: April 1, 2025
P. Respiratory Surgical Procedures
RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Respiratory Surgical Procedures
All insured services must be documented in appropriate records that establish the service was provided, is the service submitted, and was medically necessary.
As an IOP, if the major pre-operative visit was rendered in the previous 12-month period, a minor or partial assessment on the same day must be documented. If the major pre-operative assessment is on the same day, this should be documented as the primary service before the IOP.
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