What does the term "global period" mean in surgical coding?

The term "global period" in surgical coding refers to the time frame in which post-operative care is included in the surgical payment. This concept is key in determining how coders and providers approach billing for surgical procedures, as it defines a set period during which the surgical service and the related post-operative care are bundled into a single payment.

In most cases, the global period includes the day of the surgery, as well as a specified number of days following the surgery during which any necessary follow-up visits and care are considered to be included in the initial surgical fee. The global period can vary depending on the type of surgery performed; for example, major surgeries may have a 90-day global period, while minor surgeries might have a 10 or 0-day global period. Understanding the global period is essential for accurate coding and billing, ensuring that all services within that timeframe are accounted for appropriately.