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Billing code

G850A — Colour vision detailed assessment – technical component

Detailed colour vision test, technical

Bill G850 for performing detailed colour vision testing when eye disease is present or suspected, not for routine screening.

Watch for: Requires a screening test plus at least two detailed tests; not payable for hospital in-patients.

Code

G850A

Description

Colour vision detailed assessment – technical component

FHO+ basket

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

Effective date

Apr 1, 2026

Termination date

No end date

Explanation

Updated October 26, 2026

Technical component of detailed colour vision testing when eye pathology is present or suspected. Not for routine screening.

What it covers

A colour vision detailed assessment is billed only when underlying pathology is present or suspected. It requires one screening test plus at least two detailed tests: 100 Hue, D-15, Lanthony New Colour Test or anomaloscope (J90).

Screening tests alone (such as Ishihara, HRR) are not this service, and it is not to be done as routine screening (J90).

Billing rules

• Pathology must be present or suspected (J90).
• Requires a screening test plus at least two detailed tests (J90).
• Technical and professional components have separate fee codes; bill the one(s) you provided (J90–J91).
• The technical component is not payable for a hospital in-patient, or if the patient is admitted to the same hospital within 24 hours for the same condition (GP11).
• Done in a hospital, the technical component is paid at 86.10% of the listed fee (GP11).
• You must have the training to perform the technical component personally and keep documentation of your quality assurance process (GP11).
• The technical component includes performing the test and sending a signed, dated written report to the referring provider (J2).

Often billed with

• G438 professional component (J90).

Related codes: G438, G851, G437, G852

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures, Ophthalmology, page J90.

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