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Billing code

Z873A — Application Of Cast Brace (must Include Hinge)

Cast brace

Bill for applying a cast brace with a hinge; unlike other casts, it can be claimed when applied at surgery.

Watch for: Not payable for applying a prefabricated cast, brace or splint.

Code

Z873A

Description

Application Of Cast Brace (must Include Hinge)

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

Application of a cast brace. The brace must include a hinge, and prefabricated braces aren't payable.

What it covers

Z873 is the application of a cast brace, which must include a hinge (N7). It is listed with the plaster cast codes.

Billing rules

• Not payable for applying a prefabricated cast, brace or splint (N7).
• Unlike other casts, a cast brace may be claimed when applied at the time of surgery (N7).
• Can be done by trained office staff as a delegated procedure, even with the physician off site, for the physician's own patient, with chart documentation of who did it (GP62–GP63).
• This is a Z-code Independent Operative Procedure (IOP): if your major pre-operative visit was in the past 12 months, only a partial assessment (specialist) or minor assessment (GP) is payable before it that day; if the major pre-operative visit is the same day, no other assessment before it is payable (SP4).
• Age premiums of 10% to 30% apply for patients under 16 (GP64).

Often billed with

• E544 cast bracing with closed reduction (+40% to the closed reduction fee) is a separate add-on for fracture care (N3).
• E584 when applied outside a hospital or ICHSC (N7).

Related codes: E544, E584, Z213, Z211, Z203, Z204

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures, General Fees, page N7.

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