< Billing codes

Billing code

Z341A — Closed Drainage Effusion Or Pneumothorax

Chest tube insertion

Bill for inserting a chest tube (tube thoracostomy) for closed drainage.

Watch for: Chest tube removal Z363 isn't payable the same day for the same patient; intrapleural thrombolytic through the tube is Z352.

Code

Z341A

Description

Closed Drainage Effusion Or Pneumothorax

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

Chest tube insertion (tube thoracostomy) for closed drainage.

What it covers

Z341 is tube thoracostomy for closed drainage, i.e. chest tube insertion (P14).

Billing rules

• Removing a chest tube (Z363) is not payable the same day as Z341 for the same patient (P14).
• Intrapleural thrombolytic or fibrinolytic through the chest tube is billed separately as Z352 (P14).
• Marked #: the fee doesn't include premises, equipment, supplies or staff, which the hospital budget funds when done in hospital (GP13).
• 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).
• E420 trauma premium (+50%) applies for qualifying trauma patients when the ISS is charted (GP109).

Often billed with

• Z352 intrapleural thrombolytic via the chest tube (P14).
• E420 trauma premium for qualifying trauma patients (GP109).

Related codes: Z363, Z352, Z349, Z332, Z339, Z336

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

APEX checks every paid claim against the Schedule of Benefits and flags codes billed below what the visit qualified for. See how APEX works · Pricing