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Billing code

Z190A — Repair Of Lacerations - 10.1 To 15 Cm If On Face And/or Requires Tying Of Bleeders And/or Closure In Layers

Facial/layered laceration, 10.1–15 cm

Bill for repairing a 10.1 to 15 cm laceration on the face, or one needing tied bleeders or layered closure.

Watch for: Tissue adhesive closure pays 50%; repairs meeting the complex criteria are Z187 or Z188 instead.

ProviderSpecialistAssistantAnaesthetistNon-anaesthetist
$111.20$0.00$0.00$95.76$95.76
Code
Z190A
Description
Repair Of Lacerations - 10.1 To 15 Cm If On Face And/or Requires Tying Of Bleeders And/or Closure In Layers
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

Repair of a 10.1 to 15 cm laceration that is on the face and/or needs tying of bleeders or layered closure.

What it covers

Z190 is repair of a laceration 10.1 to 15 cm long that is on the face, and/or needs tying of bleeders, and/or closure in layers (M15). The same length without those features is Z179.

Repairs that take at least 20 minutes and meet the complex criteria are billed as complex repairs instead (Z187 face, Z188 other areas) (M15, M16).

Billing rules

  • Closure with tissue adhesive (such as cyanoacrylate) is paid at 50% (M15).
  • Add E542 when performed outside hospital (M15).
  • Add E530 if inhalation general anaesthesia (other than 50% N2O/O2) is used and the repair is the only procedure; add E531 (IC) if extensive debridement is needed (M15).
  • Suture removal alone is part of a visit fee, not a separate code (M15).
  • Plastic surgery codes R150 to R154 are not payable for any laceration repair (M16).
  • Surgical procedure: age premiums apply for patients under 16, from +10% (age 5–15) up to +30% (under 30 days) (GP64).
  • Non-elective and done after hours: ED physicians billing H-codes add E412 (+20%, evenings/weekends/holidays) or E413 (+40%, 00:00–07:00); other physicians add E409 or E410 (GP104).
  • FHO: a Schedule 4 office procedure that counts toward the office procedures special payment when done in your office for enrolled patients (Agreement p.96, §8.7).

Often billed with

  • E542 in the office (M15).
  • E530 or E531 when they apply (M15).
  • E412 or E413 for after-hours non-elective repair by an ED physician (GP104).

Related codes: Z179, Z177, Z191, Z192, Z187, Z188, E542, E530

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Integumentary System Surgical Procedures, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, page M15.

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