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Billing code

Z336A — Biopsy Of Pleura, Needle Including Diagnostic Aspiration

Pleural needle biopsy

Bill for a needle biopsy of the pleura; diagnostic aspiration of pleural fluid at the same procedure is included.

Watch for: Don't bill thoracentesis Z332 for the aspiration done during the biopsy.

Code

Z336A

Description

Biopsy Of Pleura, Needle Including Diagnostic Aspiration

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

Needle biopsy of the pleura, including diagnostic aspiration of pleural fluid.

What it covers

Z336 is a needle biopsy of the pleura, including diagnostic aspiration (P14).

Thoracentesis alone (aspiration for diagnosis or drainage) is Z332; thoracoscopy with or without pleural biopsy is Z335 (P14).

Billing rules

• Diagnostic aspiration at the same procedure is included (P14).
• Marked '#': premises, equipment, supplies and staff are not included in the fee (hospital or facility funded) (GP13).
• The anaesthetist bills 6 basic units plus time when anaesthesia is needed (P14).
• Z-code (IOP): if your major pre-operative visit was in the prior 12 months, only a partial assessment (specialist) or minor assessment (GP) is payable before it that day; if the major pre-op visit is the same day, no other assessment before it is paid (SP4).

Related codes: Z332, Z335, Z340, Z341, Z361

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Respiratory Surgical Procedures, Lungs and Pleura, page P14. Surgical preamble SP4.

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