G516 – Measurement of thermic effect of feeding
OHIP Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
To follow 1 hour measurement of resting energy expenditure, subject is given a balanced test meal and then calorimetry measurements are taken for two hours, to include timed urine samples (2-3 hours) and urine nitrogen excretion measurements in a steady state condition, interpretation of results in context of patient's clinical status and written report.
When to Use
- Use G516 only after completing the 1-hour resting energy expenditure measurement (G515) to assess metabolic response to a balanced test meal.
- Apply this code when performing metabolic research or clinical assessment requiring the calculation of thermic effect through timed urine nitrogen excretion over a 2-3 hour period.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing G516 without a corresponding G515 claim on the same date will trigger an automatic rejection as the procedure is defined as a follow-up measurement.
- Failure to document the specific test meal composition or the timed urine nitrogen excretion results will lead to audit recovery, as these are explicit requirements of the code definition.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the written report interpreting the metabolic data is finalized and dated on the same day the calorimetry measurements are completed to support the claim.
Effective: April 1, 2025
J. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES
Diagnostic
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
The service requires interpretation of results in the context of the patient's clinical status and a written report.
All insured services must be documented in appropriate records to establish that an insured service was provided, the service for which the account is submitted is the service that was rendered, and the service was medically necessary.
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