J310 – Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity by single breath method
OHIP Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Code — PULMONARY FUNCTION STUDIES · Schedule of Benefits
J310 is a pulmonary function study for the measurement of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) by the single breath method. This test assesses the ability of the lungs to transfer gas from inhaled air to the red blood cells in the pulmonary capillaries. The service is divided into two billable components: - Technical Component (`H` Fee): Covers the use of premises, equipment, supplies, and personnel for performing the test. Per , the technical component (H fee) is not eligible for payment if rendered to a hospital in-patient or to a patient who is admitted to the hospital within 24 hours for the same condition. It is also not payable if rendered outside of a hospital. Claims for the technical component should use suffix B. - Professional Component (`P` Fee): Covers the physician's work in interpreting the results and providing a report. Claims for the professional component should use suffix C.
When to Use
- Use J310C when you are the interpreting physician providing a formal report on the DLCO results for a patient referred for pulmonary function testing.
- Use J310B when you own or operate the diagnostic facility and are billing for the technical execution of the single breath DLCO test in an outpatient setting.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing the technical component (J310B) for patients who are hospital in-patients or who are admitted to the hospital within 24 hours of the test will result in automatic rejection.
- Submitting J310B for tests performed in a private office or non-hospital setting is ineligible for payment under the Schedule of Benefits.
- Failing to separate the claim into J310B and J310C suffixes leads to processing errors, as the professional and technical components must be billed distinctly.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the professional component (J310C) is only billed by the physician who personally interprets the data and signs the report, distinct from the facility fee (J310B).
Effective: April 1, 2025
H. Pulmonary Function Studies
PULMONARY FUNCTION STUDIES
Diagnostic
Pulmonary Function Studies
The physician submitting a claim for the technical component is responsible for the complete quality assurance process for all elements of the technical component of the service, including data acquisition, reporting, and record keeping. The physician must be able to demonstrate this upon request by the MOH.
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