Z846 – Biopsy, ear canal - general anaesthetic
OHIP Psychiatric Code — AURAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This service provides for a biopsy of the ear canal performed under general anaesthetic. It is payable only if it is the sole procedure performed. This code is denoted with a '#' prefix, indicating that when performed in a hospital or Integrated Community Health Services Centre (ICHSC), the facility costs (premises, equipment, supplies, and personnel) are funded by the hospital global budget or ICHSC funding and not billable separately to the patient.
When to Use
- Use Z846 when a biopsy of the ear canal is the only surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic.
- Use this code for diagnostic tissue sampling of ear canal lesions where no other therapeutic intervention is required during the same session.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z846 in combination with other surgical procedures will result in a rejection, as it is strictly payable only as a sole procedure.
- Billing for ear debridement under microscopy as a separate procedure is prohibited when it is performed solely to gain access for the Z846 biopsy.
- Attempting to bill facility or equipment fees for this procedure is a violation of the '#' prefix rule, as these are covered by the hospital global budget.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report clearly documents that no other procedures were performed to support the 'sole procedure' requirement for Z846 payment.
Effective: April 1, 2025
Y. Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
AURAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
Payable only if it is the sole procedure performed.
This service is denoted by a '#' prefix. As per , for services performed in a hospital, the premises, equipment, supplies, and personnel are funded by the hospital global budget. Patients cannot be charged for these items.
When debridement of ears under microscopy is carried out for access purposes only, no claim should be made for the debridement.
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