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Z871
Z871 – Ulcer cautery - local anaesthetic
OHIP Psychiatric Code — OCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Performance of ulcer cautery on the cornea under local anaesthetic. The service can include laser and/or electrocautery, epithelial debridement, cryotherapy, corneal biopsy and/or corneal puncture. For the same procedure performed under general anaesthetic, see Z853.
When to Use
- Use Z871 for the management of infectious or non-healing corneal ulcers requiring chemical or thermal cautery, including laser or electrocautery, performed under local anaesthetic.
- Use Z871 when performing epithelial debridement or corneal biopsy specifically for diagnostic or therapeutic ulcer management, as these are explicitly included in the code definition.
- Use Z871 for corneal puncture procedures performed in an office or clinic setting under local anaesthesia.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not bill Z871 in addition to a general assessment or consultation code on the same day unless the procedure is unrelated to the reason for the visit, as the procedure fee is intended to be comprehensive.
- Avoid billing Z871 if the procedure is performed under general anaesthetic; Z853 is the mandatory code for general anaesthetic cases.
- Do not attempt to bill for the local anaesthetic agent or its administration separately, as these are considered bundled into the Z871 procedural fee.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the medical record explicitly documents the use of local anaesthetic and the specific technique employed (e.g., electrocautery, cryotherapy) to support the use of Z871 over other minor ocular procedure codes.
- If the procedure is performed on an emergency basis after hours, ensure you apply the appropriate After Hours Procedure Premium (e.g., E409 or E410) rather than a Special Visit Premium, as they are mutually exclusive.
Provider Fee$26.60
Effective: April 1, 2025
Since Apr 2004, this fee has increased 0.0% vs 57.0% CPI inflation
Category
Y. Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
Subcategory
OCULAR SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Service Type
Procedure
Code Classes
Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
The service listing for ulcer cautery includes laser and/or electrocautery, epithelial debridement, cryotherapy, corneal biopsy and/or corneal puncture.
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