The Surgical Package Concept
The surgical package, also called the global surgical package, bundles routine preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative services into a single CPT code payment. Understanding what is included in the package versus what can be separately billed is essential to accurate surgical coding.
Global Period
The global period defines the timeframe during which follow-up care related to the surgery is included in the original payment and cannot be billed separately. Global periods are typically categorized as 0-day, 10-day, or 90-day, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Multiple Procedures
When multiple procedures are performed during the same operative session, the primary procedure is reimbursed at 100 percent, while subsequent procedures are typically reduced, often to 50 percent, reflecting shared overhead and efficiencies of performing them together.
Modifier Usage
Modifiers provide additional information about a procedure without changing its definition. Modifier -59 indicates a distinct procedural service, used when procedures that might otherwise be bundled were performed at different sites or sessions. Modifier -25 indicates a significant, separately identifiable E/M service performed on the same day as a procedure. Modifier -51 indicates multiple procedures performed during the same session.
Unbundling
Unbundling occurs when a coder incorrectly reports separate codes for components of a procedure that should be billed together under a single comprehensive code. Unbundling can trigger National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits and compliance investigations.
Exam Tip
Distinguish modifier -59 (distinct service) from modifier -51 (multiple procedures) and know how NCCI edits detect improper unbundling.