What does the term "global period" refer to in procedural coding?

The term "global period" in procedural coding specifically refers to the duration of follow-up care that is included in a surgical package. This concept is crucial in understanding how surgical services are billed and what postoperative care is included in the payment for the procedure.

For example, when a surgical procedure is performed, the global period encompasses the time frame during which the patient may receive care related to that surgery without additional charges beyond the initial procedural fee. This typically includes the surgery itself as well as any related follow-up visits for a defined period, which may range from several days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure and specific coding guidelines.

Understanding the global period helps healthcare providers and coders ensure proper billing, as it clarifies which services are bundled into the surgical package and which may require separate billing outside of the global period. This knowledge is essential for accurate coding and to avoid claim denials from insurance companies.