How do I fix OHIP error code S2?

Check the dates of both stages and whether they were in the same hospital stay. If both stages fall within the rule, the payment is correct. If the second stage was more than 14 days later, in a separate admission, or for a new condition or complication (full fee applies, SP2 paragraph 4), send a Remittance Advice Inquiry (RAI) through eSubmit, or on form 0918-84, within 7 months of the RA date.

When shouldn't I resubmit a S2 claim?

Both stages were within 14 days in the same hospital stay for the same condition. The claim is already on your Remittance Advice. Use an RAI, not a new claim.

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Error code

S2 — Bilateral surgery (two stage) paid at unilateral fee + 85%

Q: What does OHIP error code S2 mean?

S2 means a two-stage bilateral procedure was paid at the unilateral fee plus 85% for the second stage, under the Surgical Preamble rule.

Second stage paid at 85%

A two-stage bilateral procedure was paid at the unilateral fee plus 85% for the second stage.

What to do: Check both stages were within 14 days in the same hospital stay; if so, the payment is correct.

Code: S2
Description: Bilateral surgery (two stage) paid at unilateral fee + 85%

Explanation

Updated October 26, 2026

S2 means a two-stage bilateral procedure was paid at the unilateral fee plus 85% for the second stage, under the Surgical Preamble rule.

What it means

Code S2 means OHIP paid a bilateral procedure done in two stages at the unilateral fee plus 85% of it for the second stage.

The Surgical Preamble says that when a surgeon does more than one procedure under the same anaesthetic, or within 14 days in the same hospital stay for the same condition, the major procedure is paid in full and the others at 85% of their listed fee. This applies to staged and bilateral procedures too (SP2, paragraph 3). This is usually an expected reduction, not an error.

Common causes

The second side was done within 14 days in the same hospital stay for the same condition (expected)

How to fix it

Check the dates of both stages and whether they were in the same hospital stay.
If both stages fall within the rule, the payment is correct.
If the second stage was more than 14 days later, in a separate admission, or for a new condition or complication (full fee applies, SP2 paragraph 4), send a Remittance Advice Inquiry (RAI) through eSubmit, or on form 0918-84, within 7 months of the RA date.

Don't resubmit if

Both stages were within 14 days in the same hospital stay for the same condition.
The claim is already on your Remittance Advice. Use an RAI, not a new claim.

How APEX handles it

APEX reads your error reports and remittance advice from MCEDT and lists claims rejected with this code in its Correction Centre for you to correct and resubmit. See how APEX works · Pricing

Related codes: S1, S3