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Z311
Z311 – Removal of foreign body - local anaesthetic
OHIP Psychiatric Code — RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Surgical removal of a foreign body from the nose, performed under local anaesthetic. As a 'Z' code, this is an Independent Operative Procedure (IOP). The '#' symbol indicates that for services performed in a hospital, the premises, equipment, supplies, and personnel are funded by the hospital's global budget. If performed in an Integrated Community Health Services Centre (ICHSC), these costs are funded under the facility costs set out in the Integrated Community Health Services Centres Act, 2023 (see ).
When to Use
- Use Z311 for the extraction of a nasal foreign body requiring local anaesthetic, distinguishing it from Z312 which applies to procedures performed without anaesthetic.
- Use Z311 when the procedure is performed as an Independent Operative Procedure (IOP) in a hospital or ICHSC setting.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing a consultation or assessment code on the same day as Z311 is prohibited unless it qualifies as the major preoperative visit under GP4 rules.
- Failing to apply the age-based surgical premium for patients under 16, which is a mandatory percentage increase for procedures in the Z-code range.
- Attempting to bill Z311 as a bilateral procedure at full value; remember that listed benefits are for unilateral procedures only and subsequent procedures are subject to the 85% rule.
Billing Tips
- Always append the E839 add-on code if a flexible endoscope was utilized to facilitate the removal, as this significantly increases the total procedural reimbursement.
- If the procedure is non-elective and performed after hours, ensure you select the appropriate premium (E409 or E410) rather than attempting to stack multiple after-hours codes.
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