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Billing code

G579A

Echo bubble study add-on

Bill G579 for a saline (bubble) study during echocardiography, including the venipuncture, added to G571, G574 or G581.

Watch for: Payable only with G571, G574 or G581; don't bill the venipuncture separately.

Code

G579A

FHO+ basket

Not in the FHO+ base rate basket (Schedule 2 or 2B).

Effective date

Apr 1, 2025

Termination date

No end date

Explanation

Updated October 26, 2026

Add-on for a saline (bubble) study during echocardiography, including the venipuncture, with G571, G574 or G581.

What it covers

G579 is a saline study, including venipuncture, added to G571, G574 or G581 (J25).

It is payable only with one of those echocardiography services (J25).

Billing rules

• Payable only with G571, G574 or G581 (J25).
• The venipuncture is included (J25).
• Payable only at a facility with echocardiography accreditation (or provisional recognition) from an MOH-approved body, such as Accreditation Canada Diagnostics (J20).
• You must have Level III or Level II echocardiography training, or interpret at least 400 echo/Doppler studies a year in an established lab plus 24 hours of relevant CME over two years; keep proof for the MOH (J20).
• Must be for an indication in the CorHealth Standards for Provision of Echocardiography in Ontario in effect on the service date (J20).

Often billed with

• G571 complete study professional component (J25).
• G581 TEE professional component (J25).

Related codes: G571, G574, G575, G581, G585

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures, Echocardiography, page J25.

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