Advanced Search

General Surgery Coding Alert

Relative Value File Gives You Global Information

Published on Fri Oct 24, 2008

You can find global periods for all CPT procedure codes by consulting Medicare's National Physician Fee Schedule Relative Value File, which you may download from the CMS Web site (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PhysicianFeeSched/PFSRVF/list.asp#TopOfPage). Be sure to select the most recent file for download. To determine the global period for a particular procedure, simply look to the "GLOB DAYS" column of the fee schedule. You will find several categories, including "000" (zero), "010," "090," "XXX," "ZZZ," "YYY" and "MMM" (for maternity codes). Note that individual carriers may classify as "major" some procedures with a "YYY" global period. To ensure you-re selecting the correct modifier, check with your individual carrier before reporting an E/M service with these procedures.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

General Surgery Coding Alert

View All