What is OHIP billing code Z339?

Z339 is "Intercostal drainage with insufflation of sclerosing agent under general anaesthesia", an OHIP Psychiatric code from the Ontario Schedule of Benefits (Physician Services).

How much does Z339 pay?

The current OHIP fee for Z339 is $182.90, effective 2025-04-01, per the Ontario Schedule of Benefits.

How do I bill Z339 to OHIP?

Z339 is submitted through OHIP's MCEDT claims system, either directly or via billing software. SnapBill validates Z339 claims against the Schedule of Benefits rules before submission.

All codes

Z339

Z339 – Intercostal drainage with insufflation of sclerosing agent under general anaesthesia

OHIP Psychiatric Code — RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits

Ask AI Bill This Code — Sign Up Free

This service is for intercostal drainage with insufflation of a sclerosing agent, performed under general anaesthesia. As a 'Z-code' procedure, it is considered an Independent Operative Procedure (IOP) with specific rules regarding pre-operative assessments. See for details on IOP billing.

When to Use

Use Z339 when performing a pleurodesis via intercostal drain insertion specifically under general anaesthesia, distinguishing it from bedside procedures done under local anaesthetic.
Use this code for the definitive surgical management of recurrent malignant pleural effusions or persistent pneumothorax where chemical sclerosis is required in an operating room setting.

Common Pitfalls

Billing a consultation or assessment on the same day as Z339 will result in a rejection or clawback because Z339 is an Independent Operative Procedure (IOP) that bundles pre-operative care.
Failing to account for the 85% rule when performing multiple procedures during the same operative session, which leads to automatic payment adjustments on secondary codes.
Incorrectly applying after-hours premiums (E409A/E410A) to elective cases, as these are strictly reserved for non-elective, urgent surgical interventions.

Billing Tips

Ensure the operative report clearly documents the use of general anaesthesia to justify the Z339 fee, as this is the primary differentiator from non-IOP drainage codes.
If the patient is under 16, always append the appropriate age-based premium to maximize the procedural fee, as this is a surgical procedure.

Have a specific question? Ask our billing assistant

Provider Fee$182.90

Surgical Assistant Fee$75.06

Anaesthetist Fee$92.94

Non-Anaesthetist Fee$92.94

Effective: April 1, 2025

Ready to bill this code?

SnapBill makes OHIP billing simple — auto-filled codes, validation, and batch submission.

Get Started Free Already have an account? Sign in