Billing code
Z311A — Removal of foreign body from nose, local anaesthetic
Nasal foreign body removal
Bill for removing a foreign body from the nose under local anaesthetic, or with no anaesthetic; an assessment can be billed too.
Watch for: Under general anaesthetic use Z312; add E839 when a flexible endoscope is used.
| Provider | Specialist | Assistant | Anaesthetist | Non-anaesthetist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10.55 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
- Code
- Z311A
- Description
- Removal of foreign body from nose, local anaesthetic
- 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
Removal of a foreign body from the nose under local anaesthetic. Under general anaesthetic it is Z312; add E839 when a flexible endoscope is used.
What it covers
Z311 is removal of a foreign body from the nose under local anaesthetic, listed under Nose in Respiratory Surgical Procedures (P1). Removal under general anaesthetic is Z312 (P1).
As a Z code it is an independent operative procedure (IOP), payable in addition to an assessment (GP4). It carries prefix #, so premises and equipment are not included in the fee (P1, SP1).
Billing rules
- When no anaesthetic is needed, the removal is still claimed under this local anaesthetic listing (SP5).
- E839 is payable in addition when the removal is done with a flexible endoscope (P1).
- If the decision to remove is made at that day's visit, that visit is the major pre-operative visit and is billable; if you did the major pre-operative visit in the past 12 months, only a minor assessment (GP/FP) or partial assessment (specialist) is payable before the IOP that day (GP4, SP4).
- Age premiums apply for patients under 16, from 30% under 30 days to 10% at 5-15 years (GP64).
Often billed with
- A007 or another assessment at the visit where the foreign body is found and the decision to remove it is made (GP4, SP4).
- E839 when a flexible endoscope is used (P1).
Related codes: Z312, E839, Z296, A007
Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Respiratory Surgical Procedures, Nose, page P1 (Surgical Preamble SP4-SP5; General Preamble GP4, GP64)
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