Z327 – Bronchoscopy, flexible or rigid
OHIP Psychiatric Code — RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Flexible or rigid bronchoscopy, which may be performed with or without bronchial biopsy, suction, or injection of contrast material.
As an Independent Operative Procedure (IOP), specific billing rules apply as per . If the major pre-operative visit is rendered in the previous 12-month period prior to the IOP service by the same physician, only a minor assessment (if by a General and Family Physician) or a partial assessment (if by a specialist) is eligible for payment on the same day prior to the IOP service. When the major pre-operative assessment is rendered on the same day as the IOP, no other consultation or assessment is eligible for payment if rendered prior to the IOP service by the same physician on the same day.
This service includes all specific elements of a surgical service as defined in the Surgical Preamble (), such as pre-operative preparation, performing the procedure, and immediate post-operative care.
When to Use
- Use Z327 for diagnostic flexible or rigid bronchoscopy, including procedures with bronchial biopsy, suction, or contrast injection.
- Use Z327 when performing therapeutic bronchoscopy, such as clearing secretions or obtaining specimens, provided it is not excluded by recent thoracic surgery or major lung resection rules.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z327 with Z360 is strictly prohibited; only the bronchoscopy is eligible for payment when both are performed.
- Attempting to bill a consultation or assessment on the same day as Z327 is restricted; if the major pre-operative assessment occurs on the same day, no other assessment is payable prior to the procedure.
- Failing to account for the 3-week exclusion rule: Z327 is not payable if the same physician performed a bronchoscopy on the same patient in the 3 weeks preceding a major lung resection.
Billing Tips
- Maximize reimbursement by appending eligible add-on codes like E638 for transbronchial biopsy or E636 for broncho-alveolar lavage, ensuring the specific clinical criteria for each add-on are documented.
- For pediatric patients under 3 years of age, always include E622 to capture the additional flat fee, and verify if the patient qualifies for the age-based surgical premium (AGE_PREMIUM_UNDER_16) for patients under 16.
Effective: April 1, 2025
P. Respiratory Surgical Procedures
RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Respiratory Surgical Procedures, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
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