Global Periods: Wrap Your Arms Around What Global Surgical Packages Mean to E/M

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding global period structure helps billing teams recognize when postoperative or same-day E/M services may be part of a surgical package versus separately reportable. The topic matters because it can affect denial prevention, claim accuracy, and payer-specific follow-up.

Article Sections

1. Break Down the 3 Types of Global Periods

   Introduces the main global period categories used for many procedures and explains how they are commonly grouped in relation to surgery timing.

2. Brush Up on When You Can’t Bill an E/M Code Separately

   Reviews situations where an E/M service may be considered part of the surgical package and not separately reported. It also addresses postoperative care considerations.

3. Recognize 4 Other Indicators With No Specific Time Periods

   Summarizes additional global surgery indicator categories that do not follow the standard time-based global period structure. It also notes that payer policies may vary.