< Billing codes

Billing code

E636A

Bronchoalveolar lavage add-on

Add to Z327 bronchoscopy for bronchoalveolar lavage to diagnose cancer or diagnose or treat infection, with specimens for cell analysis.

Watch for: Must be billed with a paid Z327 on the same claim.

Code

E636A

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 to bronchoscopy (Z327) for broncho-alveolar lavage to diagnose cancer or diagnose/treat infection, with specimens for cell analysis.

What it covers

E636 is bronchoscopy with broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) for diagnosis of malignancy, or diagnosis and/or treatment of infection. It includes obtaining specimens suitable for differential cellular analysis (P9).

Billing rules

• Add-on only: bill E636 with Z327 bronchoscopy (P9–P10).
• Bronchoscopy limits apply: only the bronchoscopy is paid with laryngoscopy or oesophagoscopy, and none after thoracic surgery under the same anaesthetic by the same surgeon (P9).
• Marked '#': premises, equipment, supplies and staff are not included in the fee (GP13).

Often billed with

• Z327 bronchoscopy, the base procedure (P9).

Common rejections

• ADF: OHIP's message is 'Corresponding Procedure Invalid, Omitted or Paid at zero': this add-on needs Z327 bronchoscopy on the same claim, paid (P9–P10).

Related codes: Z327, E638, E637, E677, E678

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Respiratory Surgical Procedures, Trachea and Bronchi, page P9.

APEX checks every paid claim against the Schedule of Benefits and flags codes billed below what the visit qualified for. See how APEX works · Pricing