What does the term "global period" refer to in surgical billing?

The term "global period" in surgical billing refers specifically to the duration covered for postoperative care. This concept is crucial for understanding how surgical services and their associated follow-up care are billed. The global period is established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and varies based on the complexity of the procedure performed.

For example, a procedure may have a global period of 10, 90, or 0 days, indicating the length of time in which any related postoperative visits and care are included in the initial surgical fee. During this global period, the clinician typically does not bill separately for follow-up care that is directly related to the surgery performed.

The other options refer to different aspects of patient care and billing processes. The time frame for insurance adjustments relates to how and when insurance claims can be modified or appealed, not directly linked to the surgical services rendered. The period required for patient recovery is generally not a defined billing term and can vary significantly among patients based on numerous factors, rather than a set billing cycle. The timeline for preoperative assessments pertains to evaluations conducted before surgery but does not encompass the global period which is strictly postoperative. Understanding the definition and implications of the global period aids in accurate billing practices and compliance with regulations.