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Billing code

Z316A — Posterior nasal packing for epistaxis

Posterior nasal packing

Bill for posterior nasal packing to treat a nosebleed, one or both sides.

Watch for: Bill once whether one or both sides are packed; add E839 when a flexible endoscope is used.

Code

Z316A

Description

Posterior nasal packing for epistaxis

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

Posterior nasal packing to treat a nosebleed, one or both sides.

What it covers

Z316 is posterior packing for epistaxis (nasal haemorrhage), unilateral or bilateral (P4). One fee covers one or both sides.

Other epistaxis listings are cauterization (Z314) and anterior packing (Z315), both unilateral, and endoscopic transnasal ligation of the sphenopalatine artery (Z313) (P4).

Billing rules

• Unilateral or bilateral: bill once (P4).
• Add E839 when done with a flexible endoscope (P4).
• 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

• E839 when a flexible endoscope is used (P4).

Related codes: Z314, Z315, Z313, E839

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Respiratory Surgical Procedures, Nose, page P4.

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