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Billing code

Z442A — Selective Coronary Catheterization - Both Arteries

Coronary artery catheterization

Bill for selective catheterization of both coronary arteries, including contrast injection, imaging and interpretation.

Watch for: Each extra catheterization at the same sitting pays 50%, except G262 and G263; J021 and J022 aren't payable in addition.

Code

Z442A

Description

Selective Coronary Catheterization - Both Arteries

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

Selective catheterization of both coronary arteries during cardiac catheterization, including contrast injection, imaging and interpretation.

What it covers

Z442 is selective coronary catheterization of both coronary arteries, listed under Cardiac Catheterization in the Cardiovascular procedures (J11).

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).
• Add G263 when other drug interventional studies are done; G263 includes injection of intracoronary nitroglycerin (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

• G263 for other drug interventional studies (J11).
• G297 angiograms, at most one per right and one per left heart catheterization (J11).
• G509 bypass graft angiogram, maximum one per bypass graft (J11).
• Z439 or Z440 at the same sitting, the additional procedure paid at 50% (J9).

Related codes: G263, G297, G509, Z439, Z440, Z441, Z434, G262

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures, Cardiovascular, page J11; notes on J9.

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