Billing code
Z141A — Breast needle biopsy, one or more
Breast needle biopsy
Bill once for one or more needle biopsies of the breast.
Watch for: A large core biopsy with a 14-gauge or larger needle is Z143; add E542 outside hospital.
| Provider | Specialist | Assistant | Anaesthetist | Non-anaesthetist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37.20 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
- Code
- Z141A
- Description
- Breast needle biopsy, one or more
- 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
Needle biopsy of the breast, one fee for one or more biopsies. E542 adds when done outside hospital; large core biopsy is Z143.
What it covers
Z141 is needle biopsy of the breast, one or more, listed under Operations of the Breast (M25).
A large core breast biopsy with a 14 gauge or larger bore needle is the separate code Z143 (M25). As a Z code, Z141 is an independent operative procedure, payable in addition to an assessment (GP4).
Billing rules
- One service covers one or more needle biopsies (M25).
- Add E542 when performed outside hospital (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 biopsy that day; if the decision is made at that day's visit, no other assessment before the IOP (SP4).
- FHO: Z141 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
- E542 when the biopsy is done in the office (M25).
- A035 General Surgery consultation when the decision to biopsy is made at the consultation (GP4, SP4).
Related codes: Z143, Z139, Z118, R107, E542, A035
Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Integumentary System Surgical Procedures, Operations of the Breast, Needle biopsy, page M25; Surgical Preamble SP4; FHO Agreement 2026-04 pp.67, 95
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