Global Period

What Is a Global Period?

A global period is the set time after a surgery or procedure during which all routine care related to that procedure is included in one payment. This means that follow-up visits, stitches removal, or bandage changes are covered without extra billing. For example, if a patient has knee surgery, any check-ups to monitor healing within the global period are part of the original payment. The length of the global period depends on the procedure and is usually 0, 10, or 90 days. This system helps simplify billing and ensures patients don’t face unexpected costs for follow-up care.

Why Is the Global Period Important?

The global period ensures that healthcare providers don’t bill patients multiple times for follow-up care after a surgery or procedure. For instance, if a patient has a minor skin surgery with a 10-day global period, they won’t be charged extra for a follow-up visit within that time. This system saves time for both patients and providers by bundling related services together. It also helps insurance companies understand how much care is included in the original payment. By setting clear rules, the global period makes medical billing more predictable.

How Coders Use the Global Period

Medical coders play an important role in ensuring the global period is applied correctly. When assigning codes for a surgery or procedure, coders include details that show whether follow-up care is part of the global period. For example, they use specific codes to indicate if a follow-up visit is related to the surgery or for a different issue. Coders must stay informed about global period rules to avoid billing errors. Their work ensures that patients and providers are billed fairly.

Different Types of Global Periods

There are three main types of global periods: 0-day, 10-day, and 90-day periods. A 0-day global period covers only the day of the procedure, such as for minor tests or injections. A 10-day global period includes the procedure and follow-up care within the next 10 days, like for minor surgeries. A 90-day global period covers more complex surgeries, including all related follow-up care during that time. Knowing the type of global period helps coders and providers determine what is included in the bundled payment.

What Happens Outside the Global Period?

Once the global period ends, any additional visits or treatments related to the original procedure can be billed separately. For example, if a patient’s follow-up visit for surgery happens after the global period, the provider can charge for it as a new service. However, if a different issue arises during the global period, that care might not be covered under the bundled payment. Coders must carefully document whether a visit falls inside or outside the global period to ensure accurate billing.

How Global Periods Benefit Patients

Global periods protect patients from being overcharged for follow-up care. By bundling related services into one payment, patients know what to expect financially. For instance, if a patient has surgery with a 90-day global period, they can attend follow-up visits without worrying about extra charges. This transparency builds trust and makes healthcare more affordable. Patients can focus on recovery instead of worrying about surprise bills.

Challenges with Global Periods

Applying global periods can be challenging because every procedure has its own rules. Coders must know which services are included and which can be billed separately. For example, if a patient has an unrelated condition treated during the global period, it requires a separate code to show it’s not part of the surgery. Misunderstanding these rules can lead to billing mistakes. Clear documentation and training help coders and providers handle these challenges.

The Role of Documentation in Global Periods

Accurate documentation is critical for managing global periods. Providers must clearly record what care is related to the original procedure and what is not. For instance, if a patient visits their doctor during the global period for an unrelated issue, the doctor must note this in the record. Coders rely on these notes to assign the correct codes and ensure the billing is accurate. Good documentation supports fairness for both patients and providers.

How Insurance Companies Use Global Periods

Insurance companies use global periods to simplify billing and manage costs. By bundling follow-up care with the original procedure, insurers can predict expenses more easily. For example, if a surgery has a 90-day global period, the insurer knows they won’t receive separate bills for every follow-up visit. This system reduces paperwork and keeps healthcare affordable. It also encourages providers to offer high-quality care within the set period.