What are the billing rules for Z081A?

Bill one Z081 for two wounds, not two Z080s (M10). Only payable when the physician performs at least 10 minutes of debridement, personally (M10). The chart must record the time spent and document the debridement of each of the two lesions (M10).

What is Z081A often billed with?

E542 when the debridement is done in the office (M10). A007 intermediate assessment at the visit where the decision to debride is made (GP4, SP4).

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Billing code

Z081A — Debride wound or ulcer to s.c tissue 10 min 2

Q: What is OHIP billing code Z081A?

Debridement of two wounds or ulcers into subcutaneous tissue at one visit. Needs at least 10 minutes of debridement by the physician personally.

Debridement of two wounds

Bill once for debriding two wounds or ulcers into subcutaneous tissue at one visit, with at least 10 minutes done personally.

Watch for: Bill one Z081, not two Z080s, and chart the time and each lesion.

Provider	Specialist	Assistant	Anaesthetist	Non-anaesthetist
$32.90	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

Code: Z081A
Description: Debride wound or ulcer to s.c tissue 10 min 2
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

Debridement of two wounds or ulcers into subcutaneous tissue at one visit. Needs at least 10 minutes of debridement by the physician personally.

What it covers

Z081 is debridement of two wounds and/or ulcers extending into subcutaneous tissue (M10). One wound is Z080, three Z082 and four or more Z083; deeper wounds into tendon, ligament, bursa or bone are Z084 and Z085 (M10).

It includes applying any necessary dressing (M10).

Billing rules

Bill one Z081 for two wounds, not two Z080s (M10).
Only payable when the physician performs at least 10 minutes of debridement, personally (M10).
The chart must record the time spent and document the debridement of each of the two lesions (M10).
Not payable with laceration repair (Z154, Z175–Z177, Z179, Z190–Z192) or complex laceration repair (Z187–Z189) (M10).
Not payable in addition to a surgical procedure unless complications need care beyond the usual post-operative care (M10).
Add E542 when performed outside hospital (M10).

Often billed with

E542 when the debridement is done in the office (M10).
A007 intermediate assessment at the visit where the decision to debride is made (GP4, SP4).

Related codes: Z080, Z082, Z083, Z085, E542

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Integumentary System Surgical Procedures, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, Wound and ulcer debridement, page M10

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