Which statement best summarizes the global period?

Which statement best summarizes the global period?

• A. It begins after the surgical procedure ends
• B. It lasts for 120 days
• C. It covers pre-op services only
• D. It includes pre-op services, intraoperative care, and post-op care up to 90 days

Answer: (D)

The global period is the time frame around a surgical procedure during which related services are billed as one package. It includes pre-operative visits, the operation itself, and postoperative care for a defined span. Most commonly that span is 90 days after the surgery, during which follow-up visits and related care are included. This combination of including pre-op, intraoperative, and post-op care within a single period makes the statement with all three components and up to 90 days the best summary. Keep in mind that the exact length can vary by procedure, with some using shorter global periods. The other ideas fall short because they omit pre-op services, omit intraoperative or post-op care, or set an incorrect duration.

The global period is the time frame around a surgical procedure during which related services are billed as one package. It includes pre-operative visits, the operation itself, and postoperative care for a defined span. Most commonly that span is 90 days after the surgery, during which follow-up visits and related care are included. This combination of including pre-op, intraoperative, and post-op care within a single period makes the statement with all three components and up to 90 days the best summary. Keep in mind that the exact length can vary by procedure, with some using shorter global periods. The other ideas fall short because they omit pre-op services, omit intraoperative or post-op care, or set an incorrect duration.