🏥 Global Period Calculator
Calculate the end date of surgical global periods for accurate medical billing and coding
🎯 What is a Global Surgical Period?
The global surgical period is a timeframe established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that defines the period during which all related surgical care is bundled into a single payment. This includes pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative services that are considered part of the surgical package.
💡 Key Point
Understanding global periods is crucial for accurate medical billing and avoiding claim denials. Billing for services during the global period that should be included in the surgical package can result in payment delays or denials.
📋 Types of Global Periods
- 0-Day Global Period: No post-operative period included. Only the day of surgery is covered.
- 10-Day Global Period: Includes the day of surgery plus 10 post-operative days.
- 90-Day Global Period: Includes 1 day pre-operative, day of surgery, and 90 post-operative days.
👥 Who Needs This Calculator?
This Global Period Calculator is designed for healthcare professionals involved in medical billing and coding:
- Medical Coders: Ensure accurate coding and billing compliance
- Physicians: Track global periods for proper documentation
- Medical Billers: Avoid claim denials and billing errors
- Practice Managers: Oversee billing operations and compliance
- Healthcare Administrators: Manage revenue cycle processes
⚕️ Common Procedures and Global Periods
0-Day Global Procedures
- Office visits and consultations
- Diagnostic procedures
- Minor procedures (injections, biopsies)
- Endoscopic procedures
10-Day Global Procedures
- Minor surgical procedures
- Skin lesion removals
- Simple repairs and closures
- Arthroscopic procedures (some)
90-Day Global Procedures
- Major surgical procedures
- Joint replacements
- Cardiac surgeries
- Abdominal surgeries
- Orthopedic surgeries
💰 Tips for Accurate Medical Billing
Best Practices
- Always verify the global period for each procedure code
- Document all services provided during the global period
- Use appropriate modifiers when billing for unrelated services
- Keep detailed records of post-operative complications
- Train staff on global period rules and exceptions
Common Billing Mistakes to Avoid
- Billing for routine post-operative visits during the global period
- Not using modifiers for unrelated services
- Incorrect calculation of global period end dates
- Billing for included pre-operative services separately
📖 Step-by-Step Guide
How to Use the Global Period Calculator
- Enter Procedure Date: Select the date when the surgical procedure was performed
- Select Global Period: Choose the appropriate global period (0, 10, or 90 days)
- Add Procedure Code: Optionally enter the CPT code for reference
- Calculate: Click the calculate button to get your results
- Review Results: Check the end date and days remaining
- Save or Share: Use the PDF, print, or share options as needed
🔍 Pro Tip
Always cross-reference your calculations with the latest CMS guidelines and your local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) policies, as global period rules can change.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Unrelated services can be billed separately during the global period by using the appropriate modifier (typically modifier -79 for unrelated procedures or -24 for unrelated E/M services). Proper documentation is essential to justify the unrelated nature of the service.
Complications that require a return to the operating room can be billed using modifier -78. However, routine post-operative complications that are managed in the office are typically included in the global package and not separately billable.
While Medicare follows CMS global period guidelines, private payers may have different policies. Always verify global period rules with each individual payer, as some may not follow Medicare guidelines exactly.
The 90-day global period includes: 1 day of pre-operative care, the day of surgery, and 90 days of post-operative care. This covers routine follow-up visits, wound care, and management of typical post-operative issues related to the surgery.
Routine post-operative visits during the 10-day global period are included in the surgical package and cannot be billed separately. However, visits for unrelated conditions can be billed with the appropriate modifier (-24).
🔗 Additional Resources
For more information about global surgical periods and medical billing:
