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Billing code

Z173A — Abscess or haematoma, subcutaneous — local anaesthetic — two

Drain two skin abscesses

Bill once for incision and drainage of two subcutaneous abscesses or haematomas under local anaesthetic.

Watch for: Bill Z173 once rather than two Z101s; add E542 outside hospital.

Code

Z173A

Description

Abscess or haematoma, subcutaneous — local anaesthetic — two

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 subcutaneous abscesses or haematomas under local anaesthetic.

What it covers

Incision of subcutaneous abscesses or haematomas under local anaesthetic: Z101 one, Z173 two, Z174 three or more (M1).

Under general anaesthetic use Z102 (one) or Z172 (two or more); perianal, ischiorectal/pilonidal and palmar/plantar spaces have their own codes (M1).

Billing rules

• Use the local anaesthetic listing when no general anaesthetic is needed (SP5 §19).
• Add E542 when performed outside hospital (listed under this group; M1).
• A Z code is an independent operative procedure: if your decision-to-operate visit was in the prior 12 months, only a minor (GP) or partial (specialist) assessment is payable before it the same day (SP4 §13).
• Age premiums apply to surgical procedures for children: +30% under 30 days down to +10% for ages 5 to 15 (GP64).
• FHO: a Schedule 4 office procedure for the office procedures special payment (Agreement p.67 §8.7, p.94).

Often billed with

• E542 outside hospital (M1).

Related codes: Z101, Z174, Z102, Z172, Z104, Z106

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

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