Billing code
G349A — Oesophageal Tamponade (blakemore Bag) - Insertion
Oesophageal balloon tamponade
Bill G349 for inserting an oesophageal tamponade (Blakemore) balloon to control oesophageal bleeding.
Watch for: G700 doesn't apply; add E409 or E410 only when non-elective after hours.
| Provider | Specialist | Assistant | Anaesthetist | Non-anaesthetist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45.30 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
- Code
- G349A
- Description
- Oesophageal Tamponade (blakemore Bag) - Insertion
- 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
Insertion of an oesophageal tamponade (Blakemore) balloon to control oesophageal bleeding.
What it covers
G349 is insertion of an oesophageal tamponade tube (Blakemore bag), listed in the Gastroenterology diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (J45).
Billing rules
- Not marked '+', so the G700 sole-reason-for-visit premium doesn't apply (J45).
- It is one of the major invasive procedures that can take the after-hours premium E409 (+50%) or E410 (+75%) when non-elective, or delayed into those hours by an intervening emergency (GP104).
Often billed with
- E409 or E410 after-hours procedure premium when non-elective (GP104).
Related codes: Z400, E798, E797, G356, G322
Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures, Gastroenterology, page J45.
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