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Billing code

Z438A — Venipuncture - Insertion Of Swan-ganz Catheter (not Included In Respiratory Or Critical Care Benefits)

Swan-Ganz catheter insertion

Bill for inserting a Swan-Ganz (pulmonary artery) catheter; dilution studies are included except in a cardiac catheterization lab.

Watch for: Included in the anaesthesia units of any surgical service that lists them, and don't bill G269 central venous cannulation with it.

Code

Z438A

Description

Venipuncture - Insertion Of Swan-ganz Catheter (not Included In Respiratory Or Critical Care Benefits)

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

Insertion of a Swan-Ganz (pulmonary artery) catheter. Includes dye or thermal dilution studies except in a cardiac catheterization lab.

What it covers

Z438 is insertion of a Swan-Ganz catheter. The listing notes it is not included in respiratory or critical care benefits (J7).

It includes dye dilution densitometry and/or thermal dilution studies when done, except in a cardiac catheterization lab, where G285 or G286 is added (J7, J9).

Billing rules

• Swan-Ganz insertion is included in the anaesthesia basic units of any surgical service that lists anaesthesia units (J7).
• In a cardiac catheterization lab, add G285 (dye dilution) or G286 (thermal dilution) to Z438; G285 is limited to 3 per Swan-Ganz insertion (J9–J10).
• G296 (dilution studies in the cath lab) is not payable the same day as Z438, and G285/G286 are not payable the same day as G296 (J10).
• G269 central venous cannulation is not billed with Swan-Ganz insertion (J7).
• Z-prefix codes in the D&T section follow the Surgical Preamble (J1).
• Marked #: the fee doesn't include premises, equipment, supplies or staff, which are funded by the hospital or ICHSC (J1, GP13).

Often billed with

• G285 or G286 in a cardiac catheterization lab (J9).

Related codes: G285, G286, G296, G269, G268, Z439

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures, Cardiovascular (Vascular cannulation), page J7.

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