Billing code
N290A — Decompression Median Nerve At Wrist (carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
Carpal tunnel release
Bill N290 for open carpal tunnel release, decompressing the median nerve at the wrist; the general major-nerve code N285 excludes it.
Watch for: Add E925 (+30%) for a repeat procedure; guidance, nerve stimulation and nerve mapping are already included in the fee.
| Provider | Specialist | Assistant | Anaesthetist | Non-anaesthetist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $197.15 | $0.00 | $77.46 | $95.76 | $95.76 |
- Code
- N290A
- Description
- Decompression Median Nerve At Wrist (carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
- FHO+ basket
- Not in the FHO+ base rate basket (Schedule 2 or 2B).
- Effective date
- Apr 1, 2026
- Termination date
- No end date
Explanation
Updated October 26, 2026
Open carpal tunnel release (median nerve decompression at the wrist).
What it covers
N290 is carpal tunnel release, listed in the Peripheral Nerves section with open exploration and decompression procedures (X12).
The general major-nerve code N285 excludes carpal tunnel, so carpal tunnel release is billed as N290 (X12).
Billing rules
- Peripheral nerve fees include any guidance, nerve stimulation or nerve mapping (X13).
- Add E925 (+30%) for a repeat peripheral nerve procedure (X12).
- A pre-operative consultation before carpal tunnel surgery under local anaesthesia and/or IV sedation is paid only when the chart shows it was medically necessary (GP18).
- An anaesthetic or nerve block you give for your own procedure is not payable (SP5).
- More than one procedure under the same anaesthetic: the major procedure is paid in full and the others at 85% (SP2).
- Age premiums of 10% to 30% apply for patients under 16 (GP64).
- Marked #: the fee does not include the premises, equipment, supplies or staff for the procedure itself, which the hospital or ICHSC funds (SP1).
Often billed with
- E925 for a repeat peripheral nerve procedure (X12).
Related codes: N285, N188, N190, N189, E925, N184
Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Neurological Surgical Procedures, Peripheral Nerves, page X12.
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