G686 – Technical component - 36 to 59 hours recording
OHIP Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
G686 is the technical component for recording a Level 2 continuous ECG monitoring service for a duration of 36 to 59 hours. Level 2 monitoring is defined as using devices that meet the following criteria: - Have fewer than three skin electrodes, or - Record only portions of the monitoring period, or - Do not provide trend analysis. A minimum of 12 hours of monitoring is required. This code specifically covers the recording aspect of the service. For billing, it is typically paired with a professional component (G656) and a technical scanning component (G687).
When to Use
- Use G686 when the patient is monitored for 36 to 59 hours using a device with fewer than three electrodes, such as a single-channel event monitor.
- Select G686 for intermittent or partial recording devices that do not provide automated trend analysis, distinguishing it from the continuous full-disclosure requirements of G684 or G685.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing G686 for hospital in-patients will result in automatic rejection per GP11 regulations.
- Submitting G686 when the total duration is less than 36 hours is a common audit trigger; ensure the device log confirms the minimum 36-hour threshold is met.
- Attempting to bill G686 alongside G684 or G685 for the same recording period is a duplicate billing error.
Billing Tips
- Always pair G686 with the professional interpretation code G656 and the scanning component G687 to ensure the complete diagnostic service is captured.
- Verify that the device used strictly meets the 'Level 2' criteria, as using a device capable of trend analysis or full-disclosure shifts the requirement to higher-tier codes.
Effective: April 1, 2026
J. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES
Diagnostic
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
Maximum one professional component, one technical recording component and one technical scanning component per patient, per recording.
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