Z870 – Bone - punch, x-ray control
OHIP Psychiatric Code — MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
A needle or punch biopsy of bone. This service is listed under multiple anatomical sections within the Schedule, including Skull/Mandible (), Femur (), Knee (), Fibula/Tibia (), and Foot/Ankle (). The description varies slightly by section, indicating it may be performed with X-ray control and/or under general anaesthetic. For example: - Skull/Mandible: 'punch, x-ray control' - Femur: 'x-ray control/general anaesthetic' - Knee: 'needle' - Fibula/Tibia: 'simple - punch' - Foot/Ankle: 'under general anaesthetic'
When to Use
- Use Z870 when performing a percutaneous needle or punch biopsy of bone under fluoroscopic guidance for diagnostic purposes.
- Select Z870 for a simple bone biopsy procedure when the clinical intent is tissue sampling rather than an open surgical excision or curettage.
- Apply Z870 specifically for the anatomical site indicated in the Schedule of Benefits, ensuring the procedure matches the 'punch' or 'needle' description for that specific bone section.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z870 in conjunction with Z869 (Bone - open biopsy) is a common error, as these are mutually exclusive for the same anatomical site.
- Failing to verify the specific anatomical section in the Schedule, as the fee code Z870 is listed under multiple sections with varying requirements for X-ray control or general anaesthesia.
- Attempting to bill Z870 for an open surgical biopsy; Z870 is intended for needle or punch techniques, not open procedures.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the operative report explicitly mentions the use of X-ray control if billing under sections where the code description mandates it, such as Skull/Mandible.
- If the procedure is performed in a hospital setting, confirm that the facility fee is not being claimed by the physician, as Z870 represents the professional fee only.
Effective: April 1, 2025
N. Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures
The description of this service varies by anatomical location in the Schedule: - Skull and Mandible (): 'punch, x-ray control' - Femur (): 'x-ray control/general anaesthetic' - Knee (): '- needle' - Fibula and Tibia (): 'simple - punch' - Foot and Ankle (): '- under general anaesthetic'
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