Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Practice Test

After a capsulotomy is performed, can a patient be billed for an additional laser procedure during the 90-day global period?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if the procedure is urgent

4. Yes, with conditions

The correct answer is: No

In the context of ophthalmic surgery, the global period refers to the designated time frame during which certain follow-up care is considered part of the initial procedure and generally not separately billable. For cataract surgeries, which often involve procedures like capsulotomy, the global period is typically 90 days. During this time, any related care or procedures that are necessary due to the complications or conditions arising from the initial procedure are usually included in the global fee. Once a capsulotomy has been performed, any subsequent procedures typically considered part of the original treatment are not eligible for separate billing during that global period. The rationale behind this is to ensure that the costs for post-operative care, which may include follow-up visits and minor interventions, do not become an additional financial burden for the patient or the healthcare system. Therefore, billing for an additional laser procedure during the 90-day global period would not be permissible, as it falls under the post-operative care covered by the initial procedure's fee. While urgent procedures may sometimes allow for different considerations, the specific nature of this question focuses on the standard protocol regarding billing practices during the global period, reinforcing that such additional procedures cannot be billed separately during this timeframe.