Z551 – Liver - needle
OHIP Psychiatric Code — DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Z551 is for a needle biopsy of the liver. It is a surgical procedure listed under the Digestive System section. - Surgeon (suffix A): The listed fee is for the surgeon's service. - Anaesthesia (suffix C): Compensated based on 7 basic units plus time units as per . - Assistant (suffix B): Services require independent consideration and must be claimed using M400B with 7 basic units, as per . Various premiums may apply, including age-based premiums (), after-hours premiums for the surgeon (E409, E410), assistant (E400B, E401B), and anaesthetist (E400C, E401C), as well as the trauma premium (E420).
When to Use
- Use Z551 for a percutaneous needle biopsy of the liver when performed as a standalone surgical procedure.
- Choose Z551 instead of Z554 when the procedure is specifically a needle biopsy rather than a more extensive surgical excision or resection.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z551 in addition to a major abdominal surgery code on the same day will trigger a rejection for 'duplicate service' or 'incidental procedure' unless a valid diagnostic code justifies two distinct sites.
- Failing to bill the assistant using M400B with the correct suffix B will result in the assistant's claim being rejected or paid at the incorrect rate.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the anaesthesia claim (suffix C) correctly references the 7 basic units plus time, as Z551 does not include anaesthesia in the surgeon's fee.
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