Billing code
S287A — Cholecystectomy
Gallbladder removal
Bill S287 for a cholecystectomy; add-ons cover intra-operative cholangiogram, common duct exploration and other extra work.
Watch for: When done with a pancreatectomy, bill the cholecystectomy as add-on E709; E704 choledochoscopy is payable only with E721.
| Provider | Specialist | Assistant | Anaesthetist | Non-anaesthetist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $544.30 | $0.00 | $90.37 | $111.72 | $111.72 |
- Code
- S287A
- Description
- Cholecystectomy
- 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
Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). Add-ons cover cholangiogram, common duct exploration and other extra work.
What it covers
S287 is cholecystectomy, listed under Biliary Tract (S31). Removal of a gallbladder remnant after a prior incomplete or subtotal cholecystectomy is S286 (S31).
Add-ons listed with cholecystectomy include E794 intra-operative cholangiogram, E721 choledochotomy, E722 transduodenal sphincterotomy, E728/E729 vagotomy and E704 choledochoscopy (S31).
Billing rules
- E704 choledochoscopy is payable to S287 only together with E721 (S31).
- Not payable with a liver lobectomy, or a formal anatomic liver resection, involving segments 4 and/or 5 (S29).
- When done with a pancreatectomy (S299, S300, S309), the cholecystectomy is billed as add-on E709 (S32).
- Laparoscopy used only as the entry for the operation is not paid separately (S33). If a laparoscopic attempt is converted to laparotomy, E860 is payable in addition (SP5).
- With other procedures under the same anaesthetic, the major procedure is paid in full and the others at 85% (SP2).
- Non-elective surgery in the evening, at night, on weekends or holidays takes E409 or E410 (GP104).
- E676 morbid obesity premium may apply when BMI is over 40 and recorded (SP6, SP7).
Often billed with
- E794 intra-operative cholangiogram (S31).
- E721 choledochotomy, and E704 choledochoscopy with it (S31).
- E860 if converted from laparoscopy to laparotomy (SP5).
Related codes: S286, E794, E721, E722, E704, E709, S278
Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Digestive System Surgical Procedures, Biliary Tract, page S31.
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