Billing code
Z172A — Abscess Or Haematoma - General Anaesthetic - Subcutaneous - Two Or More
Drain 2+ abscesses, general anaesthetic
Bill for incision and drainage of two or more subcutaneous abscesses or haematomas under general anaesthetic.
Watch for: Under local anaesthetic bill Z173 or Z174; add E515 only when it is the sole procedure in an operating room.
| Provider | Specialist | Assistant | Anaesthetist | Non-anaesthetist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $72.95 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $111.72 | $111.72 |
- Code
- Z172A
- Description
- Abscess Or Haematoma - General Anaesthetic - Subcutaneous - 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
Incision and drainage of two or more subcutaneous abscesses or haematomas under general anaesthetic.
What it covers
Z172 is incision of subcutaneous abscesses or haematomas, two or more, under general anaesthetic (M1). One lesion under general anaesthetic is Z102; under local anaesthetic the codes are Z101 (one), Z173 (two) and Z174 (three or more) (M1).
Billing rules
- Add E515 when the incision is the sole procedure, under general anaesthetic, in an operating room, and not in an emergency department or ED equivalent (M1).
- Under local anaesthetic the code is Z173 for two or Z174 for three or more (M1). If no anaesthetic is needed, claim the local anaesthetic listing (SP5).
- General anaesthesia means any anaesthesia except topical anaesthesia or local infiltration (GP3).
- Marked #: premises, equipment, supplies and staff for the procedure itself are not included in the fee (SP1).
- 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).
Often billed with
- E515 when it is the sole procedure under general anaesthetic in an operating room, not in an ED or ED equivalent (M1).
Related codes: Z102, Z101, Z173, Z174, Z105, E515
Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Integumentary System Surgical Procedures, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, page M1.
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