What are the billing rules for Z139A?

One service covers one or more cysts aspirated (M25). No surgical assistant fee is payable (Asst nil) (M25). If you did the major pre-operative visit in the previous 12 months, only a minor assessment (GP/FP) or a partial assessment (specialist) is payable before the aspiration that day (SP4).

What is Z139A often billed with?

A035 General Surgery consultation when the decision to aspirate is made at the consultation (GP4, SP4). A007 intermediate assessment by a family physician at the visit where the decision is made (GP4, SP4).

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Billing code

Z139A — Breast Cyst Aspiration

Q: What is OHIP billing code Z139A?

Aspiration of one or more breast cysts, one fee however many cysts are drained. No surgical assistant fee.

Breast cyst aspiration

Bill once for aspirating one or more breast cysts, however many are drained.

Watch for: One service covers all cysts aspirated; no surgical assistant fee is payable.

Provider	Specialist	Assistant	Anaesthetist	Non-anaesthetist
$37.20	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

Code: Z139A
Description: Breast Cyst Aspiration
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

Aspiration of one or more breast cysts, one fee however many cysts are drained. No surgical assistant fee.

What it covers

Z139 is aspiration of cyst of the breast, one or more, listed under Operations of the Breast (M25). One fee covers one or more cysts.

As a Z code it is an independent operative procedure (IOP), payable in addition to an assessment (GP4). Needle biopsy of the breast is Z141, and large core biopsy is Z143 (M25).

Billing rules

One service covers one or more cysts aspirated (M25).
No surgical assistant fee is payable (Asst nil) (M25).
If you did the major pre-operative visit in the previous 12 months, only a minor assessment (GP/FP) or a partial assessment (specialist) is payable before the aspiration that day (SP4).
If the decision to aspirate is made at that day's consultation or assessment, that visit is the major pre-operative visit and is billable; no other consultation or assessment before the IOP that day (GP4, SP4).
E542 isn't printed under Z139; in the breast listings it appears under Z141 needle biopsy (M25).
FHO: Z139 counts toward the Schedule 4 special payment for office procedures done in your office for enrolled patients (Agreement p.67 §8.7, p.95).

Often billed with

A035 General Surgery consultation when the decision to aspirate is made at the consultation (GP4, SP4).
A007 intermediate assessment by a family physician at the visit where the decision is made (GP4, SP4).

Related codes: Z141, Z143, Z118, Z140, R107, A035

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Integumentary System Surgical Procedures, Operations of the Breast, page M25; Surgical Preamble SP4; FHO Agreement 2026-04 pp.67, 95

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