1. What Are Global Days?

Global Days refer to the postoperative period during which all related care is included in the payment for the procedure. This period varies by CPT code and is defined by Medicare and other payers.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a lookup table to determine the global days associated with a specific CPT code:

Where:

• \( CPT\ Code \) — Current Procedural Terminology code
• \( Lookup \) — Database query for global period

Explanation: The system checks the CPT code against a database of global periods to return the appropriate number of days.

3. Importance of Global Days Calculation

Details: Understanding global days is essential for proper billing and compliance. Services provided during the global period for a procedure are generally not separately billable.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter a valid 5-digit CPT code. The calculator will return the standard global period associated with that procedure code.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the different global periods mean?
A: 0 days = no global period, 10 days = minor procedure, 90 days = major procedure.

Q2: Are global periods the same for all payers?
A: Most follow Medicare's global periods, but some commercial payers may differ. Always verify with specific payers.

Q3: What services are included in the global period?
A: Typically includes all related postoperative care, follow-up visits, and minor complications.

Q4: Can I bill separately during the global period?
A: Only for unrelated problems or major complications requiring a return to the OR.

Q5: Where can I find a complete list of global periods?
A: Medicare publishes this information in the Physician Fee Schedule Relative Value Files.