Z344 – First procedure
OHIP Psychiatric Code — RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This code represents the first tracheo-bronchial aspiration procedure performed by a physician. It is designated as an Independent Operative Procedure (IOP). This service is not payable to operating surgeons, when respiratory unit fees apply, or within the first two hours post-operatively. For subsequent aspirations by the same physician, see Z345. As an IOP, specific rules apply to billing pre-operative assessments (see ).
When to Use
- Use Z344 for the first tracheo-bronchial aspiration performed during a clinical encounter when no respiratory unit fees are applicable.
- Use Z344 when performing an initial aspiration on a patient who has not undergone a surgical procedure within the preceding two hours.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z344 for subsequent aspirations in the same encounter, which must be billed as Z345 instead.
- Attempting to bill Z344 alongside respiratory unit fees, which results in an automatic rejection as the services are mutually exclusive.
- Submitting Z344 for a patient within two hours of a surgical procedure, as this violates the post-operative restriction for this IOP.
Billing Tips
- If a major pre-operative assessment is required on the same day as the Z344, ensure no other consultation or assessment is billed prior to the procedure to avoid claim rejection.
Effective: April 1, 2025
P. Respiratory Surgical Procedures
RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Surgical
Respiratory Surgical Procedures
Not to apply to: 1. operating surgeons, 2. when respiratory unit fees apply; or 3. within the first two hours post-operatively.
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