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Z548
Z548 – Cauterization of fissure
OHIP Psychiatric Code — DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Cauterization of fissure is a surgical procedure listed in the Digestive System section of the Schedule of Benefits. The service fee includes the surgeon's work and an anaesthesia component. The anaesthesia service is allocated 6 base units, with additional time units calculated based on the duration of the service as per the rules on . As this code is not prefixed with a '#', the physician is responsible for providing the premises and equipment when the service is rendered outside of a hospital.
When to Use
- Use Z548 for the chemical or electrical cauterization of an anal fissure performed as a standalone minor surgical procedure.
- Select Z548 when the procedure is limited to cauterization, distinguishing it from S247 which is specifically for the excision of an anal fissure.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z548 in addition to a general office visit (A007) is considered unbundling; the visit fee is generally included in the surgical procedure fee.
- Failing to include the required anaesthesia base units (6 units) or incorrectly calculating time units per GP93 will result in an incomplete claim.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the procedure note clearly specifies 'cauterization' to justify the use of Z548 over excision codes like S247, which carry different fee values.
- If performing this in a non-hospital setting, ensure your clinical documentation supports the necessity of the procedure to justify the professional fee in the absence of a facility fee.
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