Reader Question: 'Major' Global Begins 1 Day Prior to Procedure

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding how the global surgical package affects preoperative evaluations helps avoid denied professional services and missed reimbursement when a decision for surgery is made. The article is useful for teams auditing E/M and surgery claims submitted on adjacent dates.

Article Sections

1. Question

   A coder describes a consultation and a scheduled laparoscopic surgery, then asks why the evaluation service was denied despite supporting documentation.

2. Answer

   The response explains the general issue raised by the payer denial, discusses the global surgical period for major procedures, and addresses the documentation and billing concepts involved.

3. Caution

   A brief warning notes the reimbursement impact when the evaluation service is not identified separately from the surgical service.