Z332 – Aspiration for diagnosis or therapeutic drainage
OHIP Psychiatric Code — RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This procedure involves the aspiration of the pleural space for therapeutic drainage of fluid, which may or may not include obtaining a sample for diagnostic purposes. As an Independent Operative Procedure (IOP), it is subject to the rules outlined in the Surgical Preamble (see page ). The fee includes pre-operative and post-operative care as defined in the preamble. Add-on code E542 is payable when this procedure is performed outside of a hospital setting.
When to Use
- Use Z332 for therapeutic thoracentesis performed to relieve symptomatic pleural effusion, regardless of whether a diagnostic sample is also collected.
- Use Z332 when performing an ultrasound-guided or landmark-based pleural aspiration for drainage in a non-hospital setting, ensuring the addition of E542.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z332 alongside a consultation or assessment on the same day is prohibited unless the assessment qualifies as the major pre-operative visit as defined in the Surgical Preamble.
- Attempting to bill Z332 in addition to other surgical procedures performed on the same day may trigger the 85% rule for secondary procedures, reducing the payable amount for the lower-valued service.
Billing Tips
- Always append E542 when Z332 is performed in an office or clinic setting to capture the required premium for non-hospital procedures.
- If the procedure is performed after hours, ensure the appropriate non-elective surgical premium (e.g., 50% or 75%) is applied to the Z332 fee to maximize reimbursement.
Effective: April 1, 2026
P. Respiratory Surgical Procedures
RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Respiratory Surgical Procedures, Surgical Assistants' Services, Anaesthesiologists' Services
Ready to bill this code?
SnapBill makes OHIP billing simple — auto-filled codes, validation, and batch submission.