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Z853
Z853 – General anaesthetic
OHIP Psychiatric Code — OCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Z853 is for the cauterization of a corneal ulcer performed under general anaesthetic. This service includes one or more of the following techniques: - laser and/or electrocautery - epithelial debridement - cryotherapy - corneal biopsy and/or corneal puncture The anaesthesia service for this procedure (Z853C) is valued at 6 base units plus time units as described in -. An assistant is not listed as eligible for this service.
When to Use
- Use Z853 for the definitive treatment of a corneal ulcer requiring general anaesthesia, specifically when performing laser or electrocautery.
- Use Z853 when the clinical procedure involves corneal biopsy or puncture under general anaesthesia, as these techniques are explicitly included in the code definition.
- Use Z853 for cases requiring epithelial debridement or cryotherapy to the cornea when the patient's condition necessitates a general anaesthetic rather than local or topical sedation.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not bill Z853 if the procedure is performed under local or topical anaesthesia; this code is strictly defined for general anaesthetic cases.
- Avoid billing a separate admission assessment if you are the operating surgeon who performed the pre-operative assessment for the same condition, as this is considered a re-assessment under OHIP rules.
- Do not attempt to bill an assistant fee, as the schedule explicitly states that an assistant is not eligible for this service.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the anaesthesiologist bills Z853C to capture the 6 base units plus time units, as Z853 only covers the surgeon's fee.
- Apply the appropriate age-based premium (e.g., AGE_PREMIUM_UNDER_16_YEARS) if the patient meets the specific age criteria, as these are eligible add-ons for this surgical procedure.
Provider Fee$74.20
Anaesthetist Fee$92.94
Non-Anaesthetist Fee$92.94
Effective: April 1, 2025
Category
Y. Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
Subcategory
OCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Service Type
Surgical
Code Classes
Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
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