Surgical CPT codes are assigned global surgery status indicators based on what?

Surgical CPT codes are assigned global surgery status indicators primarily based on the risk factors associated with medical procedures. This assessment considers various factors including the complexity of the surgery, anticipated recovery time, and the overall risk to the patient. It allows for the categorization of surgical procedures to appropriately apply the global period, which defines the time frame for post-operative care included in the reimbursement for the surgical service.

Understanding the risk factors is crucial because they impact not only the nature and duration of the surgical procedures but also how recovery and follow-up care are managed, which are integral to the global surgical package. This helps ensure proper reimbursement and healthcare resource allocation, reflecting the varying levels of care that different surgical procedures may require.