J324 – Simple spirometry - repeat after bronchodilator
OHIP Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Code — PULMONARY FUNCTION STUDIES · Schedule of Benefits
This service is a repeat of a simple spirometry (J301) volume versus time study, performed after the administration of a bronchodilator. This service has a technical component (billed as J324B) and a professional component (billed as J324C). When the technical component is rendered in a hospital, it is payable at 94.68% of the listed fee (see :). To be eligible for payment, the study must represent the best of three recorded test results and must be performed with a permanent record that includes a written interpretation by the physician (:).
When to Use
- Use J324 only when a post-bronchodilator spirometry is performed following an initial J301 study to assess for reversible airway obstruction.
- Use this code when the clinical objective is to document the change in FEV1 or FVC after the administration of a bronchodilator in a patient with suspected asthma or COPD.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing J324 on the same day as J304 or J327 will result in automatic rejection, as these codes are mutually exclusive.
- Failing to document the 'best of three' maneuvers for both the pre-bronchodilator (J301) and post-bronchodilator (J324) tests is a common audit trigger leading to full recovery of fees.
- Relying solely on automated computer-generated reports without adding a signed, written physician interpretation will lead to claim reversal during an audit.
Billing Tips
- Ensure you bill both the technical (J324B) and professional (J324C) components to receive the full fee, noting the 94.68% reduction if the technical component is performed in a hospital setting.
Effective: April 1, 2025
H. Pulmonary Function Studies
PULMONARY FUNCTION STUDIES
Diagnostic
Pulmonary Function Studies
Must represent the best of three recorded test results.
Must be performed with a permanent record including a written interpretation by the physician.
J301 or J324 are not eligible for payment same patient same day as J304 or J327.
J301, J324, J304 and J327 must represent the best of three recorded test results or the study is not eligible for payment.
J301 and J324 must be performed with a permanent record including a written interpretation by the physician or the study is not eligible for payment.
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