Z788 – Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO)
OHIP Psychiatric Code — CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO) includes cannulating and decannulating, by any method, heart, vein and/or artery and repair of vessels if rendered.
When to Use
- Use Z788 for the primary surgical procedure of cannulation for veno-venous (VV) or veno-arterial (VA) ECMO support.
- Use Z788 for the surgical decannulation process, as the code explicitly covers both cannulation and decannulation by any method.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not bill Z788 in conjunction with vessel repair codes if the repair is incidental to the ECMO cannulation, as the code description explicitly includes vessel repair.
- Avoid billing Z788 for percutaneous central venous access (e.g., G269) or arterial line placement (e.g., G268) if these are performed for monitoring rather than as part of the ECMO circuit establishment.
Billing Tips
- Ensure that any applicable age-based surgical premiums are applied to the $400.00 fee, as Z788 is classified as a surgical procedure.
- If the ECMO procedure is performed on an emergency basis, ensure the claim reflects the appropriate after-hours or trauma premium (E409, E410, or E420) to maximize the procedural reimbursement.
Effective: April 1, 2026
Q. Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures
CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures, Anaesthesiologists' Services
Preliminary diagnostic catheterization - extra to operative fees (see Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures).
The basic anaesthetic fee of 28 units or more for major cardiovascular surgery includes such procedures as insertion of C.V.P. line (G269), arterial line (G268), blood sampling, blood analysis and interpretations.
Anaesthesiologist - see General Preamble to .
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