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Billing code

Z477A — Vulvar biopsy – sole procedure, local anaesthetic

Vulvar biopsy

Bill for biopsy of the vulva or introitus under local anaesthetic when it is the only procedure; under general anaesthetic bill Z475.

Watch for: A biopsy taken during colposcopy is billed as Z731, not as a separate biopsy code.

Code

Z477A

Description

Vulvar biopsy – sole procedure, local anaesthetic

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

Biopsy of the vulva under local anaesthetic, when it is the only procedure done.

What it covers

Z477 is biopsy(ies) of the vulva or introitus as the sole procedure, under local anaesthetic (V2). Under general anaesthetic, bill Z475 (V2).

When a listed procedure needs no anaesthetic, use the local anaesthetic listing (SP5, §19).

Billing rules

• Only when the biopsy is the sole procedure (V2).
• Add E542 when performed outside hospital (V2).
• Colposcopic investigation of a lower genital tract lesion, including the vulva, with biopsy is Z731 rather than a separate biopsy code (V6).
• Z-codes are independent operative procedures (IOP). If the major pre-operative visit was in the previous 12 months, the only assessment payable before the IOP that day is a minor assessment (GP) or partial assessment (specialist); if the major pre-operative visit is the same day, no other assessment before the IOP is payable (SP4, §13).

Often billed with

• E542 when performed outside hospital (V2).

Related codes: Z475, E542, Z722, Z731, Z736

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Female Genital Surgical Procedures, Vulva and Introitus, page V2.

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