Z908 – Debridement under general anaesthetic, with or without repair of small perforation
OHIP Psychiatric Code — Y. Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures · Schedule of Benefits
Debridement of mastoid cavities, and/or ears with significant external or middle ear pathology. This procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, with or without the repair of a small perforation. It is a unilateral service and is only eligible for payment when it is the sole ear procedure(s) performed. Note: 1. Debridement must be performed under microscopy. Services performed using loupes or magnifying headlights, or for the removal of cerumen, do not qualify for this code. 2. G420 is not eligible for payment in conjunction with Z908. 3. For contralateral procedures, Z908 is payable at 85% of the listed fee.
When to Use
- Use Z908 for the surgical debridement of mastoid cavities or chronic ear pathology requiring general anaesthesia and microscopic visualization.
- Use this code when the procedure involves the repair of a small perforation in conjunction with the required debridement under general anaesthesia.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z908 for routine cerumen removal or procedures performed without microscopy, such as those using loupes or headlights, will lead to claim rejection or audit recovery.
- Attempting to bill G420 in addition to Z908 is a prohibited combination and will result in automatic payment denial.
- Submitting Z908 when other ear procedures are performed during the same operative session is incorrect, as this code is only eligible when it is the sole ear procedure.
Billing Tips
- Ensure your operative report explicitly documents the use of a microscope, as this is a mandatory requirement for Z908 eligibility.
- If performing a contralateral procedure, remember to apply the 85% payment adjustment rule to the second ear to avoid overbilling.
Effective: April 1, 2025
Y. Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
Y. Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
Surgical
Ocular and Aural Surgical Procedures
Must be performed under microscopy; use of loupes or magnifying headlights is not sufficient.
Debridement not performed under microscopy (e.g. if performed using loupes or magnifying headlights) or in the absence of significant external or middle ear pathology, or for removal of cerumen does not constitute Z907 or Z908.
G420 is not eligible for payment in conjunction with Z906, Z907, Z908 or Z913.
For contralateral procedures, Z907 and Z908 are payable at 85% of the listed fee.
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