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Z815
Z815 – Temporal artery - biopsy, ligation or cryosurgery
OHIP Psychiatric Code — NEUROLOGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
A neurological surgical procedure performed on cranial arteries, specifically the temporal artery, involving biopsy, ligation, or cryosurgery.
When to Use
- Use Z815 for the surgical biopsy of the temporal artery specifically to confirm a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis.
- Use this code for the ligation or cryosurgical treatment of a temporal artery when clinically indicated as a distinct surgical procedure.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not bill Z815 for a carotid endarterectomy; that procedure must be billed under R792.
- Avoid billing a separate office visit or consultation on the same day as the procedure unless it qualifies as the 'major pre-operative visit' where the decision to operate was finalized.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the pathology report is readily available to substantiate the biopsy claim, as this is a frequent target for post-payment audit.
- If the procedure is performed on an emergency basis after hours, verify eligibility for E409 or E410 to maximize the procedural fee.
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