< Billing codes

Billing code

E860A

Diagnostic laparoscopy before laparotomy

Add for a diagnostic laparoscopy before a laparotomy, including a laparoscopic attempt converted to open surgery.

Watch for: Not paid separately when the laparoscope is only the way in to do an intra-abdominal procedure.

Code

E860A

FHO+ basket

Not in the FHO+ base rate basket (Schedule 2 or 2B).

Effective date

Apr 1, 2025

Termination date

No end date

Explanation

Updated October 26, 2026

Add-on for a diagnostic laparoscopy done before a laparotomy, including a laparoscopic attempt converted to open surgery.

What it covers

E860 is diagnostic laparoscopy prior to laparotomy. It is listed with ectopic pregnancy (V9) and the Digestive System notes direct that a diagnostic laparoscopy before laparotomy be claimed as E860 (S33).

When a surgical procedure in the digestive or female genital system is attempted laparoscopically but has to be converted to a laparotomy, E860 is payable in addition to the procedure fee unless otherwise specified (SP5).

Billing rules

• Bill E860 with the open procedure when a laparoscopic attempt in the digestive or female genital system is converted to laparotomy (SP5).
• When the laparoscope is simply used as the way in to perform an intra-abdominal procedure, the laparoscopy is not paid separately (S33).
• Marked #: premises, equipment, supplies and staff are not included in the fee (SP1).
• E860 is on the list of procedures that take the E676 morbid obesity premium (SP6).

Often billed with

• S312 laparotomy (S33).
• S784 ectopic pregnancy management (V9).
• S207 or S287 when a laparoscopic attempt is converted (SP5).

Related codes: S784, Z552, Z553, S312, S207, S287

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Female Genital Surgical Procedures, Fallopian Tube, page V9; Surgical Preamble SP5 §23; Digestive System notes S33.

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