Billing code
E139A — Capsulotomy Or Primary Or Subsequent Needling
Capsulotomy or lens needling
Bill for a capsulotomy, for example for posterior capsule opacification, or primary or subsequent needling of the lens capsule.
Watch for: Not payable when done to make the main operation possible, such as during a vitrectomy or lens extraction.
| Provider | Specialist | Assistant | Anaesthetist | Non-anaesthetist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $161.75 | $0.00 | $77.46 | $79.80 | $79.80 |
- Code
- E139A
- Description
- Capsulotomy Or Primary Or Subsequent Needling
- 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
Capsulotomy (for example for posterior capsule opacification) or primary or subsequent needling of the lens capsule.
What it covers
Capsulotomy or primary or subsequent needling, listed under crystalline lens procedures (Y5).
The fee is marked #: it doesn't include premises, equipment, supplies or staff for the procedure itself, which the hospital or facility funds (SP1).
Billing rules
- Not payable when done to make the main operation possible, for example as part of a vitrectomy to improve the view, or for lens extraction (Y5).
- Anaesthesia by an anaesthetist is billed as E023C; GP97 time and extra units and E003C are not payable (Y5, GP100).
- Local infiltration or topical anaesthesia is not billable (Y5).
- The surgical fee includes pre-op preparation, the procedure, recovery care and follow-up until the first post-op visit, but not the major pre-operative visit where the decision to operate is made (SP1–SP2).
- Listed fees are for one side unless stated (SP4). Multiple procedures under the same anaesthetic: 100% for the major one and 85% for the others (SP2).
- Age premiums for surgical procedures apply to patients under 16 (GP64).
Related codes: E140, E141, E148, E940, E023
Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Ocular Surgical Procedures, Crystalline Lens, page Y5.
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