OHIP billing code for laceration repair
Updated October 26, 2026
The OHIP billing code for laceration repair depends on length and complexity: Z176A ($21.90) for a laceration up to 5 cm, or Z154A ($39.35) if it is on the face or needs layered closure or tied bleeders, with longer repairs billed as Z175A/Z177A, Z179A/Z190A or Z191A/Z192A. Add E542A ($12.65) in the office; closure with tissue adhesive pays 50%.
| Code | What it is | Fee | When to bill it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z176A | Repair of laceration up to 5 cm | $21.90 | Simple repair up to 5 cm, not on the face. |
| Z154A | Up to 5 cm, on face and/or needing tying of bleeders and/or closure in layers | $39.35 | Up to 5 cm on the face, or with tied bleeders or layered closure. |
| Z175A | Repair of laceration 5.1 to 10 cm | $39.35 | Simple repair, 5.1 to 10 cm. |
| Z177A | 5.1 to 10 cm, on face and/or needing tying of bleeders and/or closure in layers | $78.15 | 5.1 to 10 cm on the face, or with tied bleeders or layered closure. |
| Z179A | Repair of laceration 10.1 to 15 cm | $55.20 | Simple repair, 10.1 to 15 cm. |
| Z190A | 10.1 to 15 cm, on face and/or needing tying of bleeders and/or closure in layers | $111.20 | 10.1 to 15 cm on the face, or with tied bleeders or layered closure. |
| Z191A | More than 15.1 cm, other than face | $84.70 | Over 15 cm, not on the face. |
| Z192A | More than 15.1 cm, on face | $169.75 | Over 15 cm on the face. |
| Z187A | Complex laceration repair, face | $101.15 | At least 20 minutes of repair time plus alignment of the vermilion border, eyebrow, eyelid or pinna, 3 or more layers, or ligation of multiple bleeding vessels. |
| Z188A | Complex laceration repair, area other than face (except digit zone 1) | $101.15 | At least 20 minutes of repair time plus 3 or more layers or ligation of multiple bleeding vessels. |
| E542A | Add-on when performed outside hospital | $12.65 | The repair is done in the office or elsewhere outside hospital. |
How to bill it
Measure the laceration and pick the code by length, then by whether it is on the face or needs tied bleeders or layered closure (M15).
If the repair took at least 20 minutes and meets the complex criteria, bill Z187A (face) or Z188A (other areas) instead, and chart the repair time (M15–M16).
Add E542A when the repair is done outside hospital (M15).
Bill the visit as well, such as A007A: laceration repairs are independent procedures (Z codes), paid in addition to an assessment (GP4).
Use the diagnostic code for the site: 879 (except limbs), 884 (upper limb) or 894 (lower limb).
Billing rules
- Wound closure with tissue adhesive (such as cyanoacrylate) is paid at 50% of the repair fee (M15).
- Removal of sutures only has no code of its own; it is paid as the appropriate visit (M15).
- E531 (independent consideration) is added when extensive debridement is required (M15); wound debridement codes Z080–Z085 aren't payable with the repair (M10).
- E530 is added when inhalation general anaesthesia (other than a 50% N2O/O2 mixture) is used and the suture is the sole procedure (M15).
- Complex repairs Z187/Z188 include removing foreign bodies, irrigation and debridement; Z114, Z128, Z129 and debridement codes aren't payable with them for the same repair, and the minimum time must be charted (M16).
- Plastic surgery codes R150–R154 aren't payable for any laceration repair (M16).
- A non-elective repair started in the evening, at night, or on a weekend or holiday takes the after-hours procedure premium E409 (+50%) or E410 (+75%) (GP103–GP104).
- Surgical procedures for patients under 16 get an age premium of 10% to 30% depending on age (GP64).
- FHO: Z154, Z175 and Z176 (with E542) are on the list of in-basket services that get the 50% blended fee-for-service premium for enrolled patients from April 1, 2026 (INFOBulletin 260502); Z154, Z175, Z177, Z179 and Z190–Z192 count toward the office procedures special payment (Agreement p.67 §8.7, pp.94–95).
Diagnostic codes
- 879: Lacerations, open wounds, except limbs
- 884: Lacerations, open wounds, traumatic amputations, upper limb(s)
- 894: Lacerations, open wounds, traumatic amputations, lower limb(s)
Questions
What is the OHIP billing code for laceration repair?
The OHIP billing code for laceration repair depends on length and complexity: Z176A ($21.90) for a laceration up to 5 cm, or Z154A ($39.35) if it is on the face or needs layered closure or tied bleeders, with longer repairs billed as Z175A/Z177A, Z179A/Z190A or Z191A/Z192A. Add E542A ($12.65) in the office; closure with tissue adhesive pays 50%.
How do I bill a laceration closed with skin glue?
Bill the same repair code for the length and site. Tissue adhesive closure is paid at 50% of that fee (M15).
Can I bill suture removal?
Not as a procedure. Suture removal alone is paid as the appropriate visit, for example a minor assessment (M15).
Related: OHIP billing code for skin biopsy · OHIP billing code for joint injection
Sources
- Schedule of Benefits: Physician Services (effective July 1, 2026)
- INFOBulletin 260502: FHO Blended Fee-for-Service premium update
All OHIP billing codes by service · See how APEX works · Pricing