What is the global period associated with a simple procedure?

A simple procedure typically has a zero global period, which means that the procedure includes only the day of the procedure itself, and there are no follow-up days included for postoperative care. In practical terms, this means that the physician is not responsible for any follow-up visits related to that procedure, and any additional services or complications that arise would be billed separately and outside of the initial procedure charge.

Understanding the concept of global periods is crucial in medical coding and billing, as it helps determine how and when procedures are billed. For simple procedures, since care and management are minimal or nonexistent after the procedure, a zero global period is appropriate. This aligns with the guidelines set by entities such as the American Medical Association, which outlines how different types of surgical procedures are categorized in relation to follow-up care.