< Billing codes

Billing code

Z085A — Debridement of wounds or ulcers into tendon, ligament, bursa or bone — two or more

Deep debridement, 2+ wounds

Bill for debriding two or more wounds or ulcers reaching tendon, ligament, bursa or bone, with at least 10 minutes done personally.

Watch for: Not payable with laceration repair; chart the debridement time and each lesion claimed.

Code

Z085A

Description

Debridement of wounds or ulcers into tendon, ligament, bursa or bone — two or more

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 or more wounds or ulcers extending into tendon, ligament, bursa and/or bone, at least 10 minutes, done personally.

What it covers

Debridement of wounds and/or ulcers extending into tendon, ligament, bursa and/or bone: Z084 one, Z085 two or more (M10).

Debridement into subcutaneous tissue only is Z080–Z083 (M10).

Billing rules

• Payable only when you personally perform at least 10 minutes of debridement (M10).
• Not payable with laceration repair (Z154, Z175, Z176, Z177, Z179, Z190, Z191, Z192) or complex laceration repair (Z187, Z188, Z189) (M10).
• Includes any dressing applied (M10).
• Not payable in addition to a surgical procedure unless complications need care beyond usual post-operative care (M10).
• Document the debridement time and each separate lesion claimed in the chart (M10).
• Add E542 when performed outside hospital (M10).

Often billed with

• E542 outside hospital (M10).

Related codes: Z084, Z080, Z081, Z082, Z083, E542

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

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