Billing code
Z361A — Indwelling pleural catheter insertion
Pleural catheter insertion
Bill for inserting a chronic indwelling pleural catheter to manage a malignant pleural effusion palliatively; image guidance is included.
Watch for: Adjusting a catheter already in place isn't Z361; bill the applicable visit fee instead.
| Provider | Specialist | Assistant | Anaesthetist | Non-anaesthetist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
- Code
- Z361A
- Description
- Indwelling pleural catheter insertion
- 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
Insertion of a chronic indwelling pleural catheter for palliative management of a malignant pleural effusion.
What it covers
Z361 is insertion of a chronic indwelling pleural catheter for palliative management of malignant pleural effusion (P15).
Removal is Z362 (P15).
Billing rules
- Z361 and Z362 include any image guidance and its interpretation (P15).
- Not payable for adjusting a previously inserted catheter; bill the applicable visit fee instead (P15).
- 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: Z362, Z341, Z332, Z349, Z339
Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Respiratory Surgical Procedures, Lungs and Pleura, page P15. Surgical preamble SP4.
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