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Billing code

Z115A — Foreign Body Removal - General Anaesthetic

Foreign body removal, general anaesthetic

Bill for removing a foreign body from skin or subcutaneous tissue under general anaesthetic.

Watch for: If no anaesthetic or only local is needed, claim Z114 instead.

ProviderSpecialistAssistantAnaesthetistNon-anaesthetist
$97.30$0.00$77.46$95.76$95.76
Code
Z115A
Description
Foreign Body Removal - General Anaesthetic
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

Removal of a foreign body from skin or subcutaneous tissue under general anaesthetic.

What it covers

Z115 is foreign body removal under general anaesthetic, listed under Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue (M1). Under local anaesthetic the code is Z114; a complicated removal is Z100, paid by independent consideration (M1).

Z114 and Z115 can be used to remove non-biodegradable long-acting subcutaneous medication implants (M1).

Billing rules

  • If no anaesthetic is needed, claim the local anaesthetic listing, Z114 (SP5, M1).
  • General anaesthesia means any anaesthesia except topical anaesthesia or local infiltration (GP3).
  • As a Z-code (independent operative procedure), if the major pre-operative visit was in the previous 12 months, only a minor assessment (GP) or partial assessment (specialist) is payable before the procedure that day (SP4).
  • Age premium applies for patients under 16 (GP64).
  • Marked #: premises, equipment, supplies and staff for the procedure are not included in the fee (SP1).

Related codes: Z114, Z227, Z102, Z118

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Integumentary System Surgical Procedures, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, page M1.

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