Billing code
Z137A — Percutaneous Inflation Of First Tissue Expander
Tissue expander inflation
Bill for percutaneous inflation of the first tissue expander.
Watch for: Bill each additional expander inflated as E541, to a maximum of 3.
| Provider | Specialist | Assistant | Anaesthetist | Non-anaesthetist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23.05 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
- Code
- Z137A
- Description
- Percutaneous Inflation Of First Tissue Expander
- 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
Percutaneous inflation of the first tissue expander. Each extra expander is E541, up to 3.
What it covers
Z137 is the percutaneous inflation of a tissue expander. Each additional expander is billed as E541, to a maximum of 3 (M24).
Inserting an expander is Z132, and replacing it with a permanent prosthesis is Z138 (M24).
Billing rules
- Bill E541 for each additional expander inflated, to a maximum of 3 (M24).
- Z132 (insertion) is not payable for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, and Ministry authorization may be needed for some sites (for example scars of the legs) (M24).
- As a Z-code procedure it is an Independent Operative Procedure (IOP): if your major pre-operative visit was in the prior 12 months, only a partial assessment is payable earlier that day (SP4 §13).
- Age premiums apply for patients under 16, from 10% to 30% by age (GP64).
Often billed with
- E541 for each additional expander (M24).
Related codes: E541, Z132, E527, E528, Z094, Z095, Z138
Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Integumentary System Surgical Procedures, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, page M24.
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