Part B Coding Coach: Avoid Giving Care Away for Free During Global With These Quick Tips

Why This Topic Matters

Correctly recognizing what is included in the surgical global period helps avoid missed reimbursement and prevents inappropriate billing for services that should be separated or shared among providers. It is especially relevant for practices that manage postoperative follow-up, transfers of care, or repeat procedures after surgery.

Article Sections

1. Know the Global Period Parameters

   Explains the general time frame of the surgical global period and the types of perioperative and postoperative services that may be considered part of it. The section addresses broad timing concepts and routine care included around surgery.

2. Pay Attention to the Partial Payments

   Discusses split responsibility for surgical care among multiple providers and the use of modifiers associated with partial components of the global surgical package. It also covers coordination of care and reimbursement considerations at a high level.

3. Medicare Requires Return to OR for Post-op Payment

   Reviews general return-to-operating-room situations during the postoperative period and how different categories of repeat procedures are distinguished. The section focuses on broad scenarios involving related postoperative care and planned versus unplanned returns.