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Z346
Z346 – Transtracheal aspiration
OHIP Psychiatric Code — RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Transtracheal aspiration is a diagnostic procedure for obtaining lower respiratory tract secretions for microbiological analysis. It is performed by passing a needle through the cricothyroid membrane into the trachea to aspirate material. As an Independent Operative Procedure (IOP), specific rules apply to billing other assessments on the same day as outlined in the Surgical Preamble ().
When to Use
- Use Z346 when performing a diagnostic transtracheal aspiration to obtain lower respiratory tract secretions for microbiological analysis.
- Use this code for needle-based aspiration through the cricothyroid membrane when bronchoscopy is not indicated or feasible for specimen collection.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing Z346 with a major assessment on the same day is prohibited; if the major assessment occurs on the same day, no other consultation or assessment is eligible for payment.
- Failing to account for the 14-day rule: if Z346 is performed within 14 days of another procedure for the same condition, it may be subject to the 85% payment adjustment rule for secondary procedures.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the procedure is clearly documented as an Independent Operative Procedure (IOP) to avoid conflicts with same-day assessment billing rules under the Surgical Preamble.
- If the patient is under 16 years of age, verify eligibility for age-based premiums (GP64:78) to maximize the procedural fee beyond the base $22.35.
Provider Fee$22.35
Effective: April 1, 2025
Category
P. Respiratory Surgical Procedures
Subcategory
RESPIRATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Service Type
Procedure
Code Classes
Respiratory Surgical Procedures
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