J826 – Calcium absorption - Ca
OHIP Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Code — NUCLEAR MEDICINE - IN VIVO · Schedule of Benefits
The J826 service is a nuclear medicine test for assessing calcium absorption using the radioisotope Calcium-45 (Ca⁴⁵). It is categorized under Gastrointestinal System studies in the Nuclear Medicine section of the Schedule. The fee is split into a technical component (H-fee) for the facility and equipment, and a professional component (P-fee) for the physician's interpretation. As per page of the Schedule, the H-fee is $61.90 and the P-fee is $9.95.
When to Use
- Use J826 specifically for the diagnostic assessment of calcium absorption using Ca45 isotopes in patients with suspected malabsorption syndromes.
- Select J826 when a formal nuclear medicine study is required to differentiate between primary hyperparathyroidism and intestinal calcium malabsorption.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing J826 without a valid written referral from an authorized provider (Physician, NP, or Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon) will result in an automatic rejection.
- Submitting the H-fee for J826 when the facility does not meet the strict quality assurance and data acquisition record-keeping standards required by the MOH is a significant audit risk.
Billing Tips
- Ensure you bill the professional component (P-fee) separately from the technical component (H-fee) if the service is performed in a facility where you do not own the equipment.
Effective: April 1, 2025
B. Nuclear Medicine - IN VIVO
NUCLEAR MEDICINE - IN VIVO
Diagnostic
Nuclear Medicine - IN VIVO
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 the above upon request by the MOH.
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