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Billing code

Z332A — Thoracentesis – diagnostic or therapeutic

Pleural fluid aspiration

Bill for aspirating the pleural space for diagnosis or to drain fluid.

Watch for: Needle biopsy of the pleura with aspiration is Z336, not Z332; add E542 outside hospital.

Code

Z332A

Description

Thoracentesis – diagnostic or therapeutic

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

Thoracentesis: aspiration of the pleural space for diagnosis or therapeutic drainage.

What it covers

Z332 is thoracentesis: aspiration of the pleural space for diagnosis or therapeutic drainage (P14).

Billing rules

• Add E542 when performed outside hospital (P14).
• Intrapleural chemotherapy or sclerosing agent is billed separately as Z349 (P14).
• Needle biopsy of the pleura with diagnostic aspiration is Z336, not Z332 (P14).
• Ultrasound guidance can be billed as J149, including by an ED physician (G11, A16).
• 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).

Often billed with

• E542 outside hospital (P14).
• J149 when ultrasound guidance is used (G11).

Related codes: Z336, Z341, Z349, J149, E542

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Respiratory Surgical Procedures, Lungs and Pleura, page P14.

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