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Billing code

Z439A — Right heart catheterization — pressures only

Right heart catheterization

Bill for right heart catheterization to measure pressures only, in the cardiac catheterization lab.

Watch for: Each extra catheterization at the same sitting pays 50%, and G269 isn't billed with Z439.

Code

Z439A

Description

Right heart catheterization — pressures only

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

Right heart catheterization to measure pressures only, part of haemodynamic studies in the cardiac catheterization lab.

What it covers

Z439 is right heart catheterization for pressure measurement only, listed under Haemodynamic/Flow/Metabolic Studies in Cardiac Catheterization (J9).

Cardiac catheterization codes (Z439 to G288) include inserting the catheter (with cutdown and vessel repair if done), placing it, injecting contrast, imaging and interpretation (J9).

Billing rules

• When more than one catheterization procedure is done at one sitting, each additional procedure is paid at 50% of its listed fee; only G262 and G263 are exempt (J9).
• G269 (central vein cannulation for pressures or a feeding line) is not to be billed with right heart catheterization Z439 (J7).
• One G297 angiogram may be billed per right heart catheterization (J11).
• J021 and J022 (radiology catheter insertion and selective catheterization) are not payable in addition to cardiac catheterization procedures Z439 to G288 (E2).
• The # prefix means the fee does not include premises, equipment, supplies and personnel at the place where the procedure itself is done (J1, J3).
• Z-prefix codes in this section follow the Surgical Preamble (J1). As an independent operative procedure, if your decision-to-operate visit was in the prior 12 months, only a minor (GP) or partial (specialist) assessment is payable before it the same day (SP4 §13).
• Anaesthesia basic units are listed, so an anaesthetist claims the code with suffix C (SP5 §21).

Often billed with

• G297 angiogram, one per right heart catheterization (J11).
• Z440 or Z441 left heart catheterization at the same sitting, paid at 50% (J9).
• G299 oximetry or G289 Fick determination by catheterization (J10).
• G296 dye dilution and/or thermal dilution studies, one fee for all studies that day in the cath lab (J9).

Related codes: Z440, Z441, Z442, G297, G296, G299, G289, Z438

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures, Cardiovascular, page J9.

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