What Is the Global Period in Medical Billing?

In the world of medical billing, the global period refers to the fixed timeframe during which all routine services associated with a surgical procedure such as pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care are bundled into one payment. This model simplifies reimbursement and ensures consistency across providers and payers.

Types of Global Periods

There are three CMS-defined global periods based on the complexity of the procedure:

• 0-Day Global Period: Only includes services provided on the same day as the procedure (e.g., biopsies or endoscopies).
• 10-Day Global Period: Covers the day of the surgery and post-operative care for the next 10 days.
• 90-Day Global Period: Includes the day before the surgery, the procedure itself, and follow-up for 90 days.

To avoid reimbursement delays, it’s essential to recognize which category your procedure falls into. For more guidance on this, check out our detailed services under Orthopedic Medical Billing, where accurate tracking of the global period is crucial.

What’s Covered in the Global Period?

The services generally included in a global period are:

• Pre-Operative Visits (e.g., evaluation and decision for surgery)
• Intra-Operative Services (e.g., the actual surgical procedure)
• Routine Post-Operative Care (e.g., wound care, pain management, follow-up visits)

These services are not billed separately. Understanding these inclusions helps reduce denials and audits.

When You Can Bill Separately

Certain services performed during the global period can be billed separately, provided proper modifiers are used:

• Modifier -24: For unrelated evaluation & management (E/M) visits during the post-op period.
• Modifier -25: For a separate E/M service on the same day as a minor procedure.
• Modifier -57: Indicates the decision for surgery during an E/M service.
• Modifier -78: For returns to the OR due to complications.
• Modifier -79: For unrelated procedures performed during the global period.

Misusing these modifiers can result in underpayment or claim denials. For a closer look at best practices, visit our guide on Revenue Cycle Management in Medical Billing.

Why Understanding the Global Period Matters

Understanding global periods allows practices to:

• Avoid Billing Errors
• Maximize Reimbursement
• Reduce Administrative Burden
• Maintain Regulatory Compliance

At EZ Settle Solutions, we help practices of all sizes—including specialty clinics like Gastroenterology Medical Billing navigate these complex billing rules for optimal financial outcomes.

Expert Insight: Real-World Surgical Billing Scenarios

If you’re unsure how global periods apply to real procedures, here’s a valuable resource: Coding for Surgical Procedures in the Global Period – Retina Today This article breaks down how to correctly document and code services that occur within or outside of the global window, with real-world ophthalmology examples.

Final Thoughts

The global period may seem like just another regulation, but it’s a critical component in ensuring correct billing, reducing denials, and improving cash flow. Proper documentation, knowledge of modifiers, and awareness of included services are essential. Need help managing your billing processes with precision and compliance? Contact EZ Settle Solutions to request a customized demo and start streamlining your revenue cycle today.