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Z174
Z174 – Abscess or haematoma - Local anaesthetic - subcutaneous - three or more
OHIP Psychiatric Code — INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This code describes the incision and drainage of three or more subcutaneous abscesses or haematomas using local anaesthetic. It is listed under the 'Incision' subsection of 'Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue' within the 'Integumentary System Surgical Procedures' section of the Schedule of Benefits. General rules and elements outlined in the Schedule's General Preamble apply.
When to Use
- Use Z174 when you perform incision and drainage on three or more distinct subcutaneous abscesses or haematomas during a single encounter.
- Choose Z174 instead of Z173 when the clinical presentation involves multiple sites requiring separate incisions, as Z173 is restricted to one or two lesions.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z174 in addition to an office visit (A007) will result in a rejection because surgical procedures are generally inclusive of the assessment unless specific criteria are met.
- Attempting to bill Z174 multiple times for the same patient on the same day is incorrect; the code is designed to capture the complexity of treating three or more lesions in one session.
Billing Tips
- Always append the E542 add-on code when the procedure is performed in an office or clinic setting to capture the additional fee for non-hospital environments.
- Ensure your operative note clearly documents the location and number of the abscesses or haematomas to justify the use of the 'three or more' code over the lower-valued Z173.
Provider Fee$44.70
Effective: April 1, 2026
Category
M. Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
Subcategory
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Service Type
Surgical
Code Classes
Integumentary System Surgical Procedures
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