1. What is the Global Post Op Period?

The global post-operative period is a defined timeframe after a surgical procedure during which all related care is included in the surgical package. This calculator helps determine the end date of this period.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a simple date addition formula:

Where:

• \( Surgery\ Date \) — The date when the surgical procedure was performed
• \( Global\ Days \) — The standard global period length (typically 90 days for major procedures)

Explanation: The calculator adds the specified number of days to the surgery date to determine when the global period ends.

3. Importance of Global Period Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of the global period is crucial for proper billing and coding, ensuring that services provided during this period are appropriately bundled or separately billable.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the surgery date and the number of global days (typically 90 for major procedures, 10 for minor procedures). The calculator will determine the end date of the global period.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the standard global period length?
A: For major procedures, it's typically 90 days. For minor procedures, it's usually 10 days or may be included in the surgical package.

Q2: Does the global period include the day of surgery?
A: Typically, the day of surgery is day 0, and the global period starts the following day.

Q3: What services are included in the global period?
A: The global period includes all necessary services normally provided during the post-operative period, including follow-up visits, wound care, and management of complications.

Q4: Are there exceptions to the global period rules?
A: Yes, some services may be separately billable if they meet specific criteria, such as unrelated services or treatment of complications requiring a return to the operating room.

Q5: How does this apply to Medicare patients?
A: Medicare follows these global period rules, and proper calculation is essential for compliant billing.